For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty the Medal of Honor was awarded to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS KENNETH M. KAYS United States Army
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty Private First Class (then Private) Kenneth M. Kays distinguished himself on 7 May 1970 while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company D, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division near Fire Support Base Maureen, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. A heavily armed force of enemy sappers and infantrymen assaulted Company D's night defensive position, wounding and killing a number of its members. Disregarding the intense enemy fire and ground assault, Private Kays began moving toward the perimeter to assist his fallen comrades. In doing so he became the target of concentrated enemy fire and explosive charges, one of which severed the lower portion of his left leg. After applying a tourniquet to his leg, Private Kays moved to the fire-swept perimeter, administered medical aid to one of the wounded, and helped move him to an area of relative safety. Despite his severe wound and excruciating pain, Private Kays returned to the perimeter in search of other wounded men. He treated another wounded comrade, and, using his own body as a shield against enemy bullets and fragments, moved him to safety. Although weakened from a great loss of blood, Private 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 Private Kays allow his own wounds to be treated. These courageous acts by Private Kays resulted in the saving of numerous lives and inspired others in his Company to repel the enemy. Private Kays' heroism at the risk of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
