Saturday, July 30, 2016

2LT Mike Kennon Minter

2LT Mike Kennon Minter was born 7 Nov 1920 in Henry County,Virginia. He was the child of Mike Kennon and Claudia Book (Clift) Minter. He was called Kennon to distinguish him from his father. His father co-owned the Moss Street Garage in which he worked as a mechanic. In 1937, Mike became very ill from the effects of Bright's Disease and probable stomach cancer and died after several weeks bedriddent in his in-laws' home.  Kennon graduated high school and then attended Chapman College in Orange, California.

Kennon registered for the draft in 1940 while he was still pursuing his studies. He was drafted in July 1942. After his basic military training he was selected for and attended Officer Candidate School. After completing training he was sent to the European theater in June 1944. 2LT Minter was transferred from the replacement depot to G Company 116th Infantry on 8 Jul 1944 to serve as a platoon leader. He fought with the unit until wounded in the drive to liberate Vire on 30 Jul 1944. He ws evacuated to hospital but died of his wound(s) there on 31 Jul 1944.

2LT Minter is buried in the Normandy American Cemetery. There is a cenotaph to his memory in the Oakwood Cemetery in Martinsville, Virginia.

Great-grandfather, Henry J. Winn, served in the 24th Virginia Infantry (CSA) through to Appomattox. Great-grandfather, Edward Henry Carter, served as a PVT in A Company 42nd Virginia Infantry (CSA) all through the Civil War. Great-grandfather, James Edward Minter, was serving as a PVT in F Company 42nd Virginia Infantry (CSA) when he was killed in action on 30 Aug 1862.

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