Memorial

More information

1st Lt Constant J. Kjems attended college for four years and was a foreman at McAllister Bros before he enlisted at Fort Jay, New York on 8 August 1942.

He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery in Andilly, France.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions on 15 July 1944. The citation cited: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division in the *** sector during the period 14 to 21 July 1944. On 15 July during the action on Hill Number 122 in the operations against ****, Lt Kjems was wounded in the face and arm by shell fragments. Disregarding his personal discomfort, he continued to lead his platoon throughout the day's activity and that night, after receiving treatment at a battalion aid station, returned to take command of his platoon, serving in that capacity until 19 July when he assumed command of his company when his superior officers were suffering from battle fatigue. During 20-21 July he voluntarily and on numerous occasions made personal reconnaissance of the area along the **** River, obtaining information of the enemy positions in that locality. The gallantry in action, zeal, tenacity of purpose, and leadership in battle displayed by Lt Kjems in this operation reflects credit upon the military service.