Date of Award: October 15, 1973
Conflict: Vietnam War
Branch: U.S. Army
Pfc. Kenneth Kays enlisted into the Army as a conscientious objector to the war in Vietnam and carried no weapon. He served as a medic with the 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and on May 7, 1970, he saved the lives of several comrades in South Vietnam. Despite losing the lower part of his own leg during the battle, he continued treating the wounded and pulling them to safety, before accepting medical treatment.
Citation: “Although weakened from a great loss of blood, Pfc. Kays resumed his heroic lifesaving efforts by moving beyond the company's perimeter into enemy held territory to treat a wounded American lying there. Only after his fellow wounded soldiers had been treated and evacuated did Pfc. Kays allow his own wounds to be treated. These courageous acts by Pfc. Kays resulted in the saving of numerous lives and inspired others in his company to repel the enemy.”
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Last Updated: September 22, 2022