Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Kenneth
Casper
Martin
January 28, 1914

–

November 13, 1986

Cemetery:

Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery

Kenneth Martin attended Catholic schools and graduated from Saint Ambrose College, Davenport, Iowa, in 1934. He completed his theological study at Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and was ordained a Catholic Priest at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa, in 1939. Following ordination he served as assistant pastor at The Cathedral until 1943. He then entered military service as a U.S. Army Chaplain, serving in Europe during World War II. He returned to the diocese as assistant pastor at Saint Anthony’s from 1946 to 1955, and then at Saint Thomas More Parish in Iowa City. During his time there, he also served as a hospital chaplain. He served as pastor at Saint Aloysius Parish in Eldon, and then at Saint Mary Magdalen in Bloomfield in the 1950s and 1960s.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    318th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    80th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 21, 1945
    Headquarters, 80th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 227 (September 8, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Kenneth Casper Martin (ASN: 0-513338), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Chaplain with the 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 21 March 1945 in Germany. While serving with an assaulting infantry rifle battalion, attacking Meustadt, Germany, a heavy concentration of enemy fire inflicted numerous casualties and halted the advance. Disregarding his personal safety, Chaplain Martin rushed forward under the intense fire to administer first aid and carry many wounded to safety, his dauntless spirit inspiring the troops to resume the attack and seize the objective. Chaplain Martin’s outstanding courage and inspiration were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.