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.”
You are leaving Health.mil
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the Defense Health Agency may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.
You are leaving Health.mil
View the external links disclaimer.
Last Updated: July 11, 2023