C/329th Veterans grouping
Photo lot and VICTORY bracelet identified to Pfc. Kenneth L. Gordon
This is a very nice grouping of thirteen original WWII photos and a Victory Bracelet souvenir from Belgium. The photos and the bracelet belonged to Pfc. Kenneth L. Gordon (#33227310) from the 83rd Infantry Division, 329th Infantry Regiment, Company C. All these photos are original WW2 era and not reprints or copies and were bought in a photo album from an antique dealer in Franklin, Tennessee. The original WW2 Bracelet belonged also to Kenneth Lee Gordon. He may have purchased this for his sweetheart or it was a souvenir for himself. It is very unique in construction made of chromium plated brass and appears hand made. The plaque features a hand engraved Belgian Lion on a V for Victory, the inscription "Belgique" and the Belgium Flag. Some of it still retains its hand painted details.
Pfc. Kenneth L. Gordon
Private First Class
Kenneth L. Gordon
Private First Class Kenneth L. Gordon
Kenneth Lee Gordon was born on August 14, 1920, in Parsons, West Virginia to Nepha Mae Ford (1900–1962) and Forrest Owens Gordon (1900–1962). Before entering the service he was a graduate of Parsons High School, Class of 1941.
Kenneth Lee "Kenny" Gordon enlisted on October 9, 1942 in Richmond, West Virginia. He took some of his training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana and Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky before going to the European Theatre of Operation (ETO) and was a Private first Class in the 83rd Infantry Division, 329th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, C Company. The Morning Report of July 10, 1944 listed Kenneth Gordon's as Lightly Injured in Action and transfer to the 34th Evacuation Hospital, during action near St. Lo, Normandy, France on July 9. He fought his way true France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany. For his service he was awarded, among other decorations, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Purple Heart Medal, the European African Middle-Eastern Campaign Medal wih five campaign stars, the World War Two Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Kenneth L. Gordon was united in marriage on December 15, 1945, to Mary Parsons. He was a mechanic and welder for the operating engineers Local 132. He also served in the Korean War (October 30, 1950). He lived in 360 S. Main St, Phillippi, West Virginia when he died on May 27, 2005. He was survived by his wife Mary and his three daughters. He is burried at the Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery with te Bigelow Lodge 52 AF and AM conducting graveside tites along with the Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 44 conducting military rites.