Thomas James Kinsman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas James Kinsman
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| Born | March 4, 1945 Renton, Washington, U.S. |
| Died | May 15, 2017 (aged 72) Toledo, Washington, U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery, Toledo, Washington
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1967 - 1970 |
| Rank |  Specialist Four |
| Unit | Company B, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor
Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal |
Thomas James Kinsman (born March 4, 1945 – died May 15, 2017) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned this award for his actions during the Vietnam War.
About Thomas Kinsman
Thomas Kinsman was born in Renton, Washington, on March 4, 1945. He went to high school in Onalaska, Washington. Later, he moved to Toledo, Washington. In 1971, he married Deloris Binion. They had seven children together. The family lived in Toledo, Washington, where Thomas worked as a farmer. He passed away in 2017 when he was 72 years old.
His Time in the Army
Kinsman joined the Army in 1967 from Seattle, Washington. By February 6, 1968, he was a Private First Class. He served in Company B, 3rd Battalion, of the 60th Infantry Regiment. This unit was part of the 9th Infantry Division.
A Heroic Act
On that day, during a battle near Vinh Long in South Vietnam, Kinsman showed amazing courage. He saw a grenade that was about to explode near his fellow soldiers. To protect them, he used his own body to block the blast. This act saved the lives of those around him. Kinsman was badly hurt, but he recovered from his injuries.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
After his brave actions, Thomas Kinsman was promoted to Specialist Four. He was also awarded the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for bravery a soldier can receive in the United States. It is given to those who show extreme courage in battle.
