Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN (RET.) KENNETH GRIFFITH
______
HON. MIKE ROGERS
of alabama
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 15, 2019
Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of
Captain (Ret.) Kenneth Griffith who passed away on July 5, 2019. A Full
Military Honors graveside service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on
Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Crook Cemetery in Ohatchee.
Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Sandra (Bowman)
Griffith; three daughters, Keli Griffith, Kendra G. Hollaway, and Kerri
G. Ladd; seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
He was born in Blue Mountain on January 29, 1940, and grew up in
Anniston, Alabama. After graduating from Anniston High School, he
joined the U.S. Army. He began his career with the Military Police at
Ft. McClellan and was stationed throughout the Southeast and in Europe.
His final station was in Cu Chi, northeast of Saigon, with the 25th
Infantry Division. On the ninth time he was shot down by the enemy,
while defending his load of wounded casualties, the front bubble of the
helicopter was shattered by gunfire, grievously wounding both himself
and his co-pilot who passed out. Griffith fought on and succeeded in
flying his disabled helicopter back to camp, accomplishing a controlled
crash landing before succumbing to his own wounds.
For his heroism he was awarded the third highest military honor, the
Silver Star. He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with
Oak Leaf Cluster after a seven-hour helicopter battle with Viet Cong
guerillas. He was recommended for the Medal of Honor by his commanding
officer. During his military service he also received the Air Medal
with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army
Aviator Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal
with three stars, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal with two
loops and the National Defense Medal.
After completing physical rehabilitation due to the loss of his leg
in combat, Capt. Griffith officially retired and returned to his
hometown. Griffith chose Jacksonville State University to continue his
education where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in
1974, a Master of Public Administration in Criminal Justice in 1975 and
a Master of Science in Personnel Counseling in 1976 from Jacksonville
State University.
Griffith was a Master Mason and long-time member of Golden Springs
Baptist Church. Told that the loss of his leg would limit his physical
capabilities, he took great satisfaction in proving the doctors wrong.
He went on to teach his children how to water and snow ski, playing and
coaching them in several sports. Lovingly referred to as `The Captain'
or `Cap' by everyone, he will be forever remembered as a loving and
devoted man.
Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring his life of service.
____________________
