Quick Facts
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Biography
Kenneth W. Durant (2 March 1919 – 3 November 1942) was a United States Navy sailor.
Navy career
Durant enlisted in the Navy 19 June 1940. He was killed in action on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 3 November 1942 serving with the United States Marines.
He is still carried on the rolls as unaccounted-for, presumed dead. There is a cenotaph, or memorial grave for him at Manila American (ABMC) Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines.
Awarded Silver Star
Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Durant was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal for his devotion to duty in caring for the wounded and courage in facing machine gun and sniper fire in an attempt to rescue a wounded man.
Namesake
USS Durant (DE-389) was named in his honor. The ship was launched 3 August 1943 by Brown Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Texas; sponsored by Mrs. S. R. Durant, mother of Pharmacist's Mate Durant; and commissioned 16 November 1943, Lieutenant Commander C. C. Knapp, USCG, in command.