For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight in combat against the enemy while attached to Fighter Squadron Ninety-Two, embarked in USS Enterprise (CVA (N) 65). On 26 May 1967, Lieutenant (junior grade) KIMPLE was the radar intercept officer flying in the lead F4B flak suppressor aircraft participating in a coordinated strike against the strategically important and very heavily defended Haiphong Thermal Power Plant (West) in North Vietnam. Despite the violent maneuvers at near supersonic speeds that were required to avoid numerous surface-to-air missiles fired at his aircraft and in the constant face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant (junior grade) KIMPLE continually displayed professional calmness and skillfully assisted his pilot in attaining an optimum attack position. He and his pilot, as an integrated team, pressed home a devastating attack upon two firing 85mm flak sites. His exceptional heroism in the face of great enemy opposition contributed directly to the overwhelming success of the mission. Lieutenant (junior grade) KIMPLE's bravery and professional competence were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.