The bravery of Greene County’s only World War II Medal of Honor recipient was honored at the 51st Annual Heritage Trust Dinner Thursday night.
Sergeant Elbert Kinser died in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II on May 4, 1945, when he threw his body on top of a grenade, saving the life of the men under his command. He was awarded Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor in the military service. He is also the namesake of Kinser Park and Kinser Bridge. Among the attendees were several members of Kinser’s extended family, including his brother, former Greeneville Police Chief Charles Kinser. Kinser was six years old when his brother went off to war, and said that the family proud of his sacrifice, but still remembered the day the family learned of his death.
Linda Moss Mines was one of the speakers during the dinner. Mines is a former member of the Tennessee Historical Commission and is the current historian of Chattanooga and Hamilton County. Mines said that Kinser’s sacrifice was the ultimate example of love and leadership.
The Heritage Trust was founded in 1973 to preserve the historical heritage of Greene County. The Trust also recognized New Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church, which celebrated their 150th year in 2023. Carolyn Gregg was also presented with the Special Merit Award, recognizing her for her contributions to preserving Greene County history.
