"We Were The Best There Ever Was." 
Company D, 511th PIR
February 9, 1923 - May 11, 1995 (Age 86)
Army Serial # 36-570-669 - Rifle NCO 7745
Citations: Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, Bronze Service Arrowhead, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, 2 Overseas Service Bars, 1 Service Stripe, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge. Lapel Button Issued, ASR Score (2 Sep 45) 51. Sharp Shooter Rifle M1, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge.
About SSgt. Kenneth Morgan:
Sgt Rifle NCO (7745): Led a squad of 12 men in combat. Flew over enemy lines in transport planes, parachuted behind enemy troops and attacked enemy positions. Was armed with rifle and grenades. Had charge of a machine gun section. Fought in the Philippines with the 511th Parachute Infantry.
Graduated Butler High School in Princeton, Kentucky on May 14, 1941
Military Service Record:
- Entry Into Active Service February 12, 1943
- Pvt Infantry Basic 521 May 1943
- Pfc Rifleman 7745 August 1943
- Sgt Rifle NCO 7745 February 1944
- Completed Paratrooper School September 29, 1944
- Change of Address San Francisco November 22, 1944
- Leyte, Philippines December 9, 1944
- 511th PIR, 2nd Battalion, Company D, 11th Airborne Division Philippines January 25, 1945
Occupations:
Pre-Service: Passenger Elevator Operator
Post Service: Truck Driver (Kentucky), Railroad Worker (Detroit, Michigan), Loading Dock Operator, Sr Pump Mechanic (Retired), Marathon Oil Refinery, Detroit, Michigan
Interests: Outstanding Softball Player, Usher, Dad’s Club, St. Cecilia Church (Detroit, Michigan). Bowling, Euchre, Active Participant at VFW Posts, Competitor whenever Challenged. Medals in Senior Olympics Track Events. Traveled in a 5th Wheel Trailer Caravan of Retired Friends & Family.
Dearly Loved his Wife Peggy. Proud of all their Children: James Thomas, Barbara Ann, Diane Elizabeth, Paul William, Kenneth Wayne, Maureen Teresa, Sharon Margaret and their Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren.
 D Company, 2nd Battalion, 511th PIR, likely taken on Japan |
 Sgt. Morgan's Change of Address card, November 1944 |
 Kenneth and Peggy Morgan (right) with friends enjoying a favorite pasttime |
 Ken and Peggy Morgan with their beloved children |
 Kenneth Morgan portrait, possibly taken after completing Basic Training 1943 |
 Sgt. Kenneth Morgan portrait, taken while he was assigned to Company D, 511th PIR, 11th Airborne Division. Possibly taken on Luzon or Japan. |
If you would like to learn more about Kenneth's exploits within and the history of the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment in World War II, please consider purchasing a copy of the book WHEN ANGEL'S FALL: FROM TOCCOA TO TOKYO, THE 511TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT IN WORLD WAR II, available in the regimental online store, on Amazon or wherever military history books are sold.
