Michael Richard Kempel

Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy

Michael Richard Kempel was born on 22 July 1948.

On 27 August 1970, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Michael Richard Kempel was serving with Headquarters & Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Force, in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam.

On that day, HM2 Kempel was killed in action when he sustained wounds from an explosive device. His body was recovered.

Medals and Badge

Silver Star Medal *
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

* Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Michael R. Kempel (2429248), Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 August 1970. Petty Officer Kempel was a member of Company M patrolling just north of Liberty Bridge in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his platoon unknowingly entered an enemy minefield, the point Marine stepped on a hidden mine. The resulting explosion critically wounded the point Marine and seriously wounded several other Marines. With total disregard for his safety, knowing there were other mines in the vicinity, Petty Officer Kempel moved to the front of the platoon to provide aid to the wounded marines. As he neared the seriously wounded point marine, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Kempel stepped on another hidden mine, suffering multiple critical wounds from the explosion. Ignoring his wounds, Petty Officer Kempel crawled to the point marine and attempted to render medical aid until he succumbed to his wounds. His resolute effort throughout the engagement was a source of inspiration to all who observed him. By his outstanding professional skill, fortitude in the face of enemy fire, and unfaltering dedication to duty, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Kempel's actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.

Honors

The name Michael R Kempel is located on Panel W7 Line 17 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

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