Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

Company B, 81st Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division "Victory", U.S. Army (Company B, 81st Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division "Victory", U.S. Army)

Awarded on:

January 24th, 1945

Citation:
"For gallantry in action in Germany on 22 December 1944. Second Lieutenant Kling, in command of a medium tank platoon with attached infantry whose mission was to seize 11 well defended enemy villages twice dismounted from his tank in the midst of intense enemy shell fire to make mechanical adjustments to keep his tank in action, and when the attack forces converged on the final objective he again left the protection of his tank and directed the operations of the two forces which were subjected to all types of enemy fire. The quick occupation of the objective was largely due to the gallant actions, courage and expert leadership of Second Lieutenant Kling. His actions are in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Army."

Headquarters, 5th Armored Division, General Orders No. 3 (24 January 1945).