During a firefight on that day, near Vinh Long in the Republic of Vietnam during Operation Coronado X, Kinsman blocked a grenade blast with his body to protect those around him, suffering severe wounds in the process.

Specialist Kinsman's official Medal of Honor citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty Sp4c.

As his company was proceeding up a narrow canal in Armored Troop Carriers, it came under sudden and intense rocket, automatic weapons and small-arms fire from a well entrenched Viet Cong force.

Hampered by exceedingly dense undergrowth which limited visibility to 10 meters, a group of 8 men became cut off from the main body of the company.

Kinsman's extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S.