A Diary Of My Work Overseas

“SILVER STAR
“For gallantry in action on 19 December 1944 in * * *. When medical personnel was not available to render aid to a unit suffering heavy casualties near * * * Chaplain Kimball, displaying great personal bravery, volunteered to pass through fierce enemy machine gun fire in an effort to render treatment and to evacuate the wounded. While on his courageous mission, he was ambushed by infiltrating Germans and received severe wounds which resulted in his death. Chaplain Kimball’s conspicuous valor and unflinching devotion to the welfare of his men reflected credit on himself and the military service.”—Citation

The Reverend Kimball’s diary tells of the varied and challenging duties of his post. Indeed he was a man of many talents, distinguished for his strong spiritual leadership and for his alternate role as the unofficial librarian of his regiment, the 1128th Engineer Combat Group of the U.S. Army. He died ministering to his flock in the Ardennes forest in 1944.