The President of the United States in the name of The Congress
takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

HOSPITALMAN
JOHN E. KILMER
UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Medical Corpsman while serving with a Marine Rifle Company in the First Marine Division in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 13 August 1952. With his Company engaged in defending a vitally important hill position well forward of the main line of resistance during an assault by large concentration of hostile troops, Hospitalman Kilmer repeatedly braved intense enemy mortar, artillery, and sniper fire to move from one position to another, administering aid to the wounded and expediting their evacuation. Painfully wounded himself when struck by mortar fragments while moving to the aid of casualty, he persisted in his efforts and inched his way to the side of the stricken Marine through a hail of enemy shells falling around him. Undaunted by the devastating hostile fire, he skillfully administered first aid to his comrade and, as another mounting barrage enemy fire shattered the immediate area, unhesitatingly shielded the wounded man with his body. Mortally wounded by flying shrapnel while carrying out this heroic action, Hospitalman Kilmer, by his great personal valor and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice in saving the life of a comrade, served to inspire all who observed him. His unyielding devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for another.

/s/ DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER