The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Ralph E. Kinley (ASN: 33497977), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 20 February 1945, in Germany. In an attack on Wincheringen, Germany, Sergeant Kinley’s platoon was surrounded in a school building by superior enemy forces, and he and his section were firing at the enemy from a room on the second floor. Two enemy with a rocket launcher fired two rounds that tore gaping holes in one wall of the room and killed one soldier, who had exposed himself trying to stop their fire. Sergeant Kinley realized that more shells from the launcher would probably destroy the room and it occupants, so he quickly crossed the room, despite enemy small arms fire, to the same position used by the soldier who had been killed. He lay in an exposed position, but his accurate fire killed one of the enemy. The remaining enemy dropped the launcher and ran. Subsequently aid reached the platoon and the town was captured. Sergeant Kinley’s heroic action without regard to personal safety saved the men of his section from probable death or capture. His valor and combat initiative reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.