'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In Box Wood, in front of Puisieux, on the morning of the 14th August, when the retreating enemy made a stand, Private Kirkwood dashed forward with Sergeant Kennett, and bombed them out. On the morning of the 18th, in Puisieux, he first detected an enemy attack and killed the German N.C.O. leading. Shortly afterwards he went out with Sergeant Kennett and shot a sniper just 20 yards away. They then came on a party of 6 of the enemy in some ruins. These they killed. Later in the afternoon Private Kirkwood went alone to reconnoitre the front and was wounded. This man showed courage throughout, and was an example to everyone.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 11 December 1918

Regimental number	59016
Occupation	Ploughman
Next of kin	Sister, Mrs M Walter, Pomahaka
Rank on embarkation	Private
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 30th Reinforcements, Otago Infantry Company, D Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT No 93 Corinthic on 13 October 1917
Final rank	Private
Final unit	1st Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In Box Wood, in front of Puisieux, on the morning of the 14th August, when the retreating enemy made a stand, Private Kirkwood dashed forward with Sergeant Kennett, and bombed them out. On the morning of the 18th, in Puisieux, he first detected an enemy attack and killed the German N.C.O. leading. Shortly afterwards he went out with Sergeant Kennett and shot a sniper just 20 yards away. They then came on a party of 6 of the enemy in some ruins. These they killed. Later in the afternoon Private Kirkwood went alone to reconnoitre the front and was wounded. This man showed courage throughout, and was an example to everyone.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 11 December 1918
Other details	War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 3: Roll 72, p. 15