Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company I, 3rd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One", US Army

Awarded on:

July 1st, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Neptune

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Kimball R. Richmond (0-1286184), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Company I, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. When the crafts on which his company was moving in, on the initial assault upon the coast of France, were sunk by enemy fire and mines, Captain Richmond swam to shore through a hail of machine gun bullets and artillery fire. Upon reaching the shore, he gathered together the remainder of his company and moved down the beach. Here he established contact with a group of men whose officers had become casualties. He quickly organized the men for an attack against an enemy strongpoint on the left flank. In the face of heavy direct enemy fire, he gallantly led his men in successful assault upon this enemy emplacement thereby removing an enemy installation that had been inflicting heavy casualties on this part of the beach. Without hesitation, Captain Richmond then pushed inland against the enemy. Completely disregarding his own safety, he led his men across open terrain, captured ***** and successfully defended it against superior forces until relieved. The personal bravery and determined leadership of Captain Richmond exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

HQ First U.S. Army, GO 31, July 1st, 1944