Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered all flags at state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday in honor of U.S. Army Private First-Class Kenneth Burgess, age 29 of Central City, who died in World War II.
Burgess was a member of Company B, 4th Ranger Battalion, “Darby’s Rangers” and participated in Operation Avalanche, the 1943 invasion of Italy. During the operation, Burgess was reported missing in action.
In 1947, Burgess’ remains were recovered but were unidentified. It was not until 2019 that a historian with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) found that Burgess may have died in the vicinity of where the remains were found. In September 2024, the remains were confirmed to be Burgess following a DNA analysis.
A graveside service and interment with military honors will be hosted for Burgess on Wednesday at Rose Hill Cemetery in Central City.
Photo courtesy of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency