A Memorial Day Story, Remembering Daniel Kinnard
Today is Memorial Day, a day we come together to remember the American heroes we have lost — heroes like Specialist Daniel L. Kinnard from Newark, Ohio who served in the Vietnam War.
Daniel’s Story
We’ve come to know Daniel’s story through his mother, Kathryn, through his brother Steven, and simply through the words outlined in his Bronze Star citation.
“For heroism in combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 February 1968. Specialist Four Kinnard distinguished himself while attached as a medic on a combat operation near Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam. The point platoon made contact with enemy positions in a hedgerow and two of the point men were seriously wounded. Without hesitation, Specialist Kinnard rushed through the heavy volume of enemy fire to reach the wounded men. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Specialist Kinnard remained exposed to enemy fire while he treated the wounded men. Once he had administered first aid to the wounded, Specialist Kinnard organized their evacuation under fire. His personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.”
This citation speaks of his heroism, his disregard for his own safety, and his first and foremost duty — tending to his brothers-in-arms while under heavy enemy fire.
Combat medics hold a special place within our military forces. Serving within small units, detached from robust medical facilities, they provide the kind of immediate triage and aid that can mean the difference between life and death.
They share the daily burden of life on the front lines. They live, eat and march with those they treat. They share every meal and every hardship.
Combat medics assume all those burdens. Then when the situation is most dire for one of their ‘joes,’ they answer the call ‘medic up.’
On February 17th, 1968, Daniel did just that. Without hesitation he rushed into danger to aid his comrades and to organize their evacuations. All this, while he and his unit continued to engage enemy forces.
When we pause to think about this, nearly 50 years later, it can be difficult for us to fully fathom what it required. We struggle to place ourselves in the shoes of a young man, trying to save his friends. But we know that Daniel was, in the end, like so many of his generation. He quietly assumed an incredible duty and faced remarkable dangers.
Not one full month later, on March 9th, 1968, Daniel gave what President Lincoln called the ‘last full measure of devotion.’
A few weeks ago, I was in Newark for the dedication ceremony for the newly named “Daniel L. Kinnard VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic.” It is here that we continue the work that President Lincoln started by consecrating another piece of our nation in the memory of one of its truest patriots.
On this Memorial Day, in the midst of parades, cookouts and time with family, we should all make sure to pause and share the stories of the fallen soldiers like Daniel. It is because of their ultimate sacrifice that we live in freedom and that must never be forgotten.
