On that day, near Palenberg, Germany, he smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to protect those around him.

Kiner, aged 20 at his death, was buried at Eastern Star Cemetery in his birthplace of Aline, Oklahoma.

[1] Private Kiner's official Medal of Honor citation reads: With 4 other men, he was leading in a frontal assault 2 October 1944, on a Siegfried Line pillbox near Palenberg, Germany.

Machinegun fire from the strongly defended enemy position 25 yards away pinned down the attackers.

By his gallant action and voluntary sacrifice of his own life, he saved his 2 comrades from serious injury or death.