John A. Kulp
Captain, U.S. Army

In June 1944, then-First Lieutenant John A. Kulp was serving with the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, First U.S. Army.

On 21 - 22 June, 1LT Kulp’s unit was in action against German forces near Cherbourg, France, while clearing the Cotentin Peninsula in Operation Overlord. When 1LT Kulp's company was pinned down by heavy fire from strong underground positions, he made a personal reconnaissance in the face of the German fire to determine the best way to assault the position. After returning to his company, 1LT Kulp organized his men for the advance and led them toward their objective. Ignoring the intense German fire, he moved from one platoon to another, directing and encouraging the men in their advance. At the head of his unit as they neared the enemy fortifications, 1LT Kulp led a bayonet charge that overwhelmed the German garrison and forced the surrender of 144 Germans. 1LT Kulp’s inspiring leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism on those days earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

On 7 July 1944, now-Captain Kulp's unit was taking part in the fighting near Périers, France. During that fighting, CPT Kulp was killed in action.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] John A. Kulp (ASN: 0-1285773), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 21 and 22 June 1944, in France. When Captain Kulp's company was pinned down near Cherbourg by heavy fire from strong underground positions, he made a personal reconnaissance in the face of the enemy fire to determine the best way to assault the position. Returning to his company, he organized his men for the advance and led them toward their objective. With complete disregard for the intense enemy fire, he moved from one platoon to another, directing and encouraging the men in their advance. At the head of his unit as they neared the enemy fortifications, he led a bayonet charge which overwhelmed the enemy garrison and forced the surrender of 144 Germans. Captain Kulp's inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 70 (October 17, 1944)

Burial

Captain John A. Kulp is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Departement du Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France in Plot C, Row 20, Grave 17.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56646640/john-a-kulp