Kenneth graduated from High School in Stuart, Iowa in 1943 and enlisted in the US Army July 18,1944 at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He was a Rifleman and served in Company I , 9th Infantry, 2 Division in Europe during the Rhineland Central Europe campaigns. He received the Good Conduct metal, American Theater Service metal, Army of Occupation medal (Germany), the European African Middle Eastern Service metal, Combat INfantryman Badge, Expert M-1 Rifle and the Victory metal.