Donel C. Kinnard’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to

DONEL C. KINNARD
CHIEF HOSPITAL CORPSMAN
UNITED STATES NAVYY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For extraordinary heroism while engaged in armed conflict against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 20-21 January 1970.During this period, Chief Petty Officer Kinnard was serving with Underwater Demolition Team Twelve, Detachment Golf, and operating with the Second Battalion, Fifth Mobile Forces Command during a sweep and clear mission in the Ca Mau peninsula. On one occasion, Chief Petty Officer Kinnard was singled out as a target by enemy force while he was attempting to beach a damaged sampan from which three of the enemy had leaped into the water and escaped. His courageous action resulted in the capture of the sampan and enemy weapons. On another occasion, when his unit was subjected to intense enemy rocket, machine-gun, and automatic-weapons fire, Chief Petty Officer Kinnard was wounded in the arms and legs by shrapnel from an enemy hand grenade. He immediately hurled several hand grenades across a canal into enemy positions. During the ensuing battle, he was suddenly attacked by one of the enemy who had crept up behind him. After several minutes of a fierce hand-to-hand struggle, Chief Petty Officer Kinnard succeeded in overcoming his attacker who was later identified as a North Vietnamese Army Lieutenant. By his personal courage and inspiring devotion to duty, Chief Petty Officer Kinnard contributed materially to the success of a vital mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For the president,
JOHN H CHAFEE
Secretary of the Navy

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Born: April 5, 1936 in Logan, W.V…. Enlisted in the Navy after high school and spent 22 years in the service… Also awarded the Bronze Star and seven Purple Hearts… Departed: Feb. 14, 2009… Interred at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, W.V.