Kenneth “Kenny” Townsend is fondly remembered through a collection of photographs donated to the Putnam County Historian’s Office by the late county historian, Richard “Dick” Muscarella.

One such photograph, taken around 1918 during the patriotic fervor of World War I, features a young Kenny with his classmates from Cole’s Mills School District No. 9. Among those pictured are James Townsend, Paul Cole, Ethel Knapp, Zillah Townsend, and their teacher, Charles I. Knapp.

After completing his education, Kenny began working for his uncle, Hamilton Townsend, who was then serving as Highway Commissioner for the Town of Kent.

By 1940, with the enactment of the Selective Service and Training Act, many residents of Putnam County registered for military service. By April 1942, Kenny was among the county’s largest contingents to gather on the steps of the historic Court House to be photographed for the front page of April 16^th issue of The Putnam County Courier. He soon entered the U.S. Army.

In another photograph dated the winter of 1943, Kenny is shown with his sister, Velma—or “Betsy”—shortly before he was deployed overseas.

On May 25, 1945, Corporal Kenneth Townsend, then serving with the 728th Amphibian Tractor Battalion, was wounded during the Battle of Okinawa—one of the largest and deadliest engagements of the Pacific Theater. A Japanese shell exploded nearby, and although injured, he was fortunate to survive. He was later awarded the Purple Heart in recognition of his sacrifice. While many lives were lost that day, Townsend’s battalion received a special citation for their valiant efforts in helping to bring the Okinawa campaign to a close.

Following the war, Kenny returned to Kent and succeeded his uncle as Highway Superintendent, faithfully serving the town he had always called home. He held the position for many years, resigning in 1968.

Kenneth Townsend passed away in 2003, leaving behind a lasting legacy of courage, dedication, and public service to both his country and his community.