Sgt. Elbert L. Kinser 1C 71
N 36° 09.772 W 082° 49.862
17S E 335304 N 4003566
This historic marker stands on the courthouse square in Greeneville, Tennessee
Waymark Code: WM2RBK
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 12/13/2007
Views: 42
This historic markers stands as a tribute to Sgt. Elbert L. Kinser who was awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II. Sgt. Kinser's Medal of Honor Citation reads:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while acting as leader of a Rifle Platoon, serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, 4 May 1945. Taken under sudden, close attack by hostile troops entrenched on the reverse slope while moving up a strategic ridge along which his platoon was holding newly won positions, Sgt. Kinser engaged the enemy in a fierce hand grenade battle. Quick to act when a Japanese grenade landed in the immediate vicinity, Sgt. Kinser unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile, absorbing the full charge of the shattering explosion in his own body and thereby protecting his men from serious injury and possible death. Stouthearted and indomitable, he had yielded his own chance of survival that his comrades might live to carry on the relentless battle against a fanatic enemy. His courage, cool decision and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
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The marker text reads:
SGT. ELBERT L.KINSER
"For conspicuous gallantry as a leader of a First Marine Division Rifle Platoon on Okinawa Shima on May 4, 1945, this Greene County native was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously by President Harry S. Truman. Attacked by Japanese forces, Sgt. Kinser engaged the enemy in a fierce hand grenade battle. Quick to act when a grenade landed, he threw himself on it, absorbing the explosion and saving his men at the expense of his own life. He is buried in the Solomon Lutheran Church Cemetery in Greene County."