Sgt. Elbert L. Kinser 1C 71 - Tennessee Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

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."

For more informaion concerning Sgt. Kinser: (visit link)

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."

Marker Name: Sgt. Elbert L. Kinser Marker Location: Roadside Type of Marker: Person Marker Number: 1C-71 Group(s) Responsible for placing Marker: Tennessee Historical Commission

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Date Logged Log User Rating   05/31/2023 WidespreadBill8 visited it 05/23/2023 Don.Morfe visited it 10/05/2018 Manville Possum visited it 05/15/2009 vhasler visited it 09/28/2007 Markerman62 visited it 04/29/2006 Wandering Spirits visited it

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