Salute to Service is a series where the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance shares the untold stories of veterans from the Mountain State. It is never too late to honor the sacrifice that Veterans have made for America, our way of life and our allies. This story has been adapted from official records.
The Vietnam War was a politically contentious conflict. Support for the war was at an all-time low, and veterans returning from the combat area did not get the welcome home or have the public support that veterans in earlier or later conflicts did. This did not stop the brave men and women who served during this era from serving with distinction and honor.
Born on October 30, 1936, in Logan County, HMCS Donel C. Kinnard was one such veteran. He was a distinguished, decorated U.S. Navy veteran who served an illustrious 22-year career from 1954 to 1976, followed by five additional years in the U.S. Navy Reserve. His military assignments included notable positions such as serving with the Underwater Demolition Team TWELVE, Detachment Golf, and operating alongside the Second Battalion, Fifth Mobile Forces Command during critical missions in Vietnam.
Kinnard was deployed to Khe Sanh, a strategic outpost near the Laotian border, in 1968, when the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) besieged the base for 77 days, subjecting it to relentless artillery attacks. Enemy fire made delivering supplies and evacuating wounded Marines difficult. At one point, U.S. forces went without resupply for an extended period. Supplies had to be flown in by helicopter, and the slow-moving, landing aircraft were a tempting target for enemy fire. They went nine days straight without food and had only the water they could collect from the morning dew on plastic sheets, amounting to roughly 12 ounces per person daily. His efforts were crucial in maintaining his Marines’ health, morale, and fighting spirit, holding the base until reinforcements arrived.
Among his other numerous awards, which included the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and multiple Purple Heart awards, Kinnard was later awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while engaged with enemy forces on January 20 – 21, 1970.
During this period, Kinnard served with Underwater Demolition Team TWELVE (UDT-12), Detachment GOLF, and operated with the Second Battalion, Fifth Mobile Forces Command, during a sweep and clear mission in the Ca Mau Peninsula.
On one occasion, while he was attempting to beach a damaged sampan—a small boat—three enemy combatants leaped from the sampan into the water and escaped. Despite being singled out as a target, Kinnard’s courageous actions led to the capture of the sampan and enemy weapons.
The following day, Kinnard’s unit faced a severe onslaught of enemy rocket, machine-gun and automatic weapons fire. Amid this chaos, Kinnard was struck by shrapnel from an enemy hand grenade, sustaining injuries to his arms and legs. Despite his wounds, he continued to fight bravely, hurling grenades into enemy positions across a canal. His relentless spirit and combat prowess were further demonstrated later that day when an enemy soldier, a North Vietnamese Army Lieutenant, attacked him from behind. Engaging in a fierce hand-to-hand struggle, Kinnard ultimately overpowered his assailant. Kinnard’s actions were pivotal to the mission’s success.
After retiring from active duty, Kinnard continued his service to veterans’ causes, significantly contributing to veterans’ welfare initiatives in West Virginia.
Like many veterans, Kinnard faced significant challenges following his service. The war had left deep psychological scars. The societal climate in the United States, marked by anti-war sentiment, added to the difficulty veterans faced in readjusting to civilian life. He became an active member of various veterans’ organizations, working tirelessly to ensure that those who served received the recognition and support that they earned and deserved.
Kinnard was a vocal advocate for improving veterans’ health care services. He lobbied for better funding and resources for the federal Veterans Administration (now Department of Veterans Affairs) medical centers, ensuring veterans received necessary medical care. His advocacy helped pave the way for the expansion of VA health care services and the establishment of specialized programs for PTSD and other war-related ailments.
He served as chairman of the West Virginia Veterans Council and other veterans’ organizations until he died in 2009. His dedication, resilience, and post-war advocacy have left an indelible mark on the veteran community and future generations. His legacy is honored at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, West Virginia, where he was the first veteran interred.
Beyond his military and advocacy work, Donel C. Kinnard was a devoted family man. He married and had children, balancing his personal life with his professional and advocacy responsibilities. His family provided him with the support and strength needed to continue his work on behalf of veterans.
Kinnard’s commitment to his family and community was evident in his involvement in local activities and organizations. He was known for his generosity and willingness to help others, embodying the values of service and sacrifice that defined his military career.