Thomas James Kinsman

Service and background

Kinsman enlisted and served at a time when the United States maintained a significant military presence in Southeast Asia. His military career placed him among thousands of soldiers who were deployed to Vietnam, where ground combat, patrols, and small-unit actions were frequent. Detailed unit assignments and specific dates of service vary in different records; what is widely noted is his status as a decorated veteran of that conflict.

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is presented to members of the U.S. armed forces who distinguish themselves by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Kinsman received this decoration for actions performed during the Vietnam War. Recipients of the medal are formally recognized for conspicuous bravery, and their awards are recorded in official military rolls and public citations that outline the circumstances of their heroism.

Context and significance

The Vietnam War (1955–1975) was a complex and contentious conflict that involved diverse combat conditions, from jungle engagements to urban confrontations. In that environment many service members showed acts of courage under fire. Earning the Medal of Honor places an individual among a small and highly regarded group whose actions have been singled out for the highest level of national recognition.

Death and legacy

Thomas James Kinsman died on May 15, 2017, in Toledo, Washington, at the age of 72. His passing was noted in veteran communities and by those who track military honors. As with other Medal of Honor recipients, Kinsman's name appears in compilations of decorated veterans and serves as a point of reference in discussions about personal sacrifice, military history, and the human dimensions of war.

Notable points

• Kinsman is remembered primarily for receiving the United States' highest military decoration.
• Medal of Honor recipients are often honored through ceremonies, historical records, and educational references about military service.
• His service is part of the broader history of American involvement in the Vietnam War, a conflict that has been the subject of extensive study and public reflection.