J. B. Kuykendall

These awards are based on the information below and per applicable DoD Directives and Awards Manuals:
Bronze Star Awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in the Armed Forces of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. This award to PFC Kuykendall was identified by the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster Awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Forces, after April 5, 1917, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may hereafter die of wounds received in action against an enemy of the United States. An Oak Leaf Cluster indicates that this was his second award. This award to PFC Kuykendall was identified by the American Battle Monuments Commission.
American Campaign Service Medal Awarded for military service within the American Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Awarded for military service with the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
World War II Victory Medal Awarded for military service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946, both dates inclusive.

Note 1: The death location, "Island of Okinawa" is based on the best information available at this time. In the case of PFC Kuykendall, this location was not verified by eyewitness statement or official After Action Report. Rescarching multiple online sources, this location was estimated on:

A. FindAGrave.com indicates his rank and assigned unit was "PFC - 306th INF - 77th DIV. - CO. F".

B. The ABMC indicates his assigned unit was the "306th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division".

C. Unit history records report that 77th Infantry Division was conducting operations on Okinawa, making 15 landings between March 26 and 29, 1945.

D. On May 1, 1945 the 77th Infantry Division relieved the 96th Infantry Division and fought its way slowly against extremely heavy Japanese resistance, driving to Shuri in conjunction with the 1st Marine Division and captured the Shuri Castle on May 29th.

E. The DPAA reports "PFC KUYKENDALL J. B., 34583203, ARMY, JAPAN/OKINAWA, 5/13/1945".

Anyone with a more specific location is welcomed and encouraged to submit an email to: ww2updates@withmilitaryhonors.com.

The following information on this casualty is sourced from The National Archives Database:
 Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946 (Enlistment Records) - See Note 2

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Note 2. Information is sourced from the public domain and may be copied and distributed without permission.