Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

Company I, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division "Old Hickory" (Company I, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division "Old Hickory" U.S.Army)

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 7 October 1944, in Germany. Although realizing that one aid man had been killed in attempting to reach the side of a wounded man, Private First Class Kirk heroically undertook the task himself. Despite the warning of his comrades, he moved across the open, fire-swept ground to the fallen soldier. As he knelt in full view of the enemy, he was fatally wounded, but continued to administer aid to the soldier until darkness and subsequent evacuation. In sacrificing his life to save that of another, Private First Class Kirk typified the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflected great credit upon himself, the 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awarded posthumously.
Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 28 (16 February 1945).