Kenneth spent time in the Navy during World War II. He was on LST 396 in the Solomon Islands before it was sunk from under him.

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On August 18th, 1943, he was aboard the USS LST 396 during action against the enemy. The ship participated in the initial invsion of Vella Lavellea Island, BSI. The ship was attacked by Japanese bombers about 1800 on August 17, 1943. The attack, intermittent, continued until the early hours of August 18th. At about 0210 on the 18th, the ship suffered a terrific explosion, and all hands were ordered to abandom ship. The survivors were picked up by the USS Saufley.