Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Kenneth
Martin
Hatch
1922-10-16

–

2010-04-18

Born:

, 

Alaska

Home:

Florence

, 

Oregon

Buried: 

Florence

, 

Oregon

Cemetery:

Drew Cemetery

Kenneth Hatch graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1947. He retired in 1970 as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers)

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 11, 1950
    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 127 (September 8, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Kenneth Martin Hatch (ASN: 0-50640), United States Army, for heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States, as a member of the 72d Engineer Company, 24th Infantry Division. On 11 August 1950, near Samacham-ni, Korea, although friendly forces had overrun an enemy ordnance dump, the area was still being hotly contested. To prevent the possibility of the enemy’s recovering their supplies, Lieutenant Hatch, despite the added hazard of hostile machine gun and mortar fire, prepared and supervised the destruction of five enemy field pieces and the adjacent ammunition stores. By his conspicuously valiant actions and notable technical ability, Lieutenant Hatch not only denied the material to the enemy but also eliminated the danger which the explosives created for friendly troops in the battle area. (The letter “V” device is authorized for wear with medal or ribbon)

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Corps of Engineers)

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 1968 – January 1970

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Kenneth Martin Hatch (ASN: 0-50640), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service during the period July 1968 to January 1970, while serving successively as Commanding Officer, 44th Engineer Group (Construction) and Staff Engineer, Headquarters, United States Army Support, Thailand. During this period, Colonel Hatch displayed outstanding professional competence, sound judgment, and decisiveness in the performance of his duties. As Commanding Officer, he was responsible for the construction of facilities essential to the logistical support of United States Air Force operations as well as providing guidance for the construction of highway systems and the Kanchanaburi Training Center. While Staff Engineer, his exceptional planning ability, keen foresight, technical expertise, and superb direction were instrumental in maintaining the United States Army’s unparalleled position in Thailand. In this, his final active duty assignment, he displayed the same extraordinary leadership, unswerving devotion to duty, and meticulous attention to detail which characterized his long and honorable military career. Colonel Hatch’s outstanding achievements are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers)

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 19, 1950
    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 277 (December 21, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Kenneth Martin Hatch (ASN: 0-50640), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a member of the 72d Engineer Company, 24th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Hatch distinguished himself by courageous action near Waegan, Korea, on 19 September 1950. During the advance on the city his platoon was attached to an infantry battalion. The enemy was pounding the area with artillery which destroyed the only suitable bridge over a swift flowing stream and was pouring a hail of machine gun fire into the attacking troops. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lieutenant Hatch unhesitatingly left his position of relative safety and moving through a hail of withering fire made a reconnaissance in order to find a suitable site for the construction of a sandbar bridge. Returning, he assembled his men and equipment and despite the continuous shelling and machine gun fire directed the swift construction of the bridge, thereby permitting the continued advance. Lieutenant Hatch’s courageous action, devotion to duty and outstanding leadership reflect the greatest credit upon himself and the United States Infantry.