Rank: Private First Class
Unit: K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
MOS: 13A – Field Artillery Basic
Awards: Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Unit awards: Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm device
Enlisted by: Selected Service
Date of birth: 31-Jan-1948
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Marital status: Married to Brenda L. Gibbs
Campaign: Vietnam Conflict
Entered service: 13-Mar-1967
Start of tour: 20-Aug-1967
Incident date: 4-Sep-1967
Date of casualty: 4-Sep-1967
Age at death: 19
Cause of death: Hostile, died. Small Arms Fire. Gun or small arms fire.
Kenneth Samuel Gibbs died as the result of gunshot wound received when military vehicle in which he was passenger was hit by hostile rifle round.
Location of fatality: Long Khanh, South Vietnam
Place of interment: County Line Baptist Church Cemetery, Cleveland, Georgia, USA
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BRONZE STAR MEDAL
WITH VALOR DEVICE
POSTHUMOUS
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS KENNETH SAMUEL GIBBS
4 SEPTEMBER 1967
K TROOP, 3rd SQUADRON
11TH ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT
Private First Class Gibbs distinguished himself by valorous actions on 4 September 1967, while serving as machine gunner on a search and destroy mission in an area known to be a Viet Cong stronghold located near National Highway 1, Vietnam. As the troop emerged from a dense growth of banana trees, they were suddenly engaged by an estimated reinforced company of well-armed Viet Cong. Alertly spotting several insurgents along the wood line, Private Gibbs immediately directed a devastating volley of highly accurate fire upon the bewildered Viet Cong and effectively dispersed the enemy soldiers. Gaining fire superiority over the hostile force, Private Gibbs’ platoon began an aggressive attack upon the beleaguered enemy troops. As the armored cavalry assault vehicle on which Private Gibbs was serving left the road to pursue the insurgents, it was suddenly struck by an anti-tank rocket, mortally wounding Private Gibbs. Private Gibbs’ heroic actions and aggressive response to the critical situation were instrumental in the overwhelming defeat of the hostile force. Private First Class Gibbs’ personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division General Orders No. 4879 (21 September 1967)