Colonel Kenneth T. Trinkler was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School 4 February 1952, Class Number 7. His first duty assignment was as Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, Company L, 3d Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Infantry Division. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Team Leader, Assistant S-3, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne); Commanding Officer, USA Recruiting Main Station, Nashville, TN; Commanding Officer, COA, 1st Battle Group, 32d Infantry, 7th Infantry Division; Assistant PMS, ROTC Det Shreveport, LA; Staff Officer, J3, Headquarters United States European Command; Staff Officers, SGS, Headquarters USARV; Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division; Project Officer, Troop Test Branch, Evaluation Division, USA, CD.C., ICAS; Senior Military Advisor, Headquarters, MACV Advisory Team 98, Province; Staff Officer, ODCSOPS, DA; Chief, Ground Forces Division, JUSMAG, Philippines; Division Advisor, Headquarters USA Readiness Region VI with duty station Louisville, Kentucky. | Military schools attended include: Infantry Advance Officer Course, Command and General Staff College, Province Senior Advisor Course, Unnited States Army War College. | His awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal w/ 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, JSCM, Meritorious Service Medal, ARCOM, ROKPUC, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Silver and Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal (1st Class), CIB, General Staff Identification Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge.