skip to Main Content

KENTUCKY LEGENDS

Set forth below are biographies of Marines, who have either been born or have lived in the Commonwealth of Kentucky at some time during their lives, either as private citizens or on active duty, or have been interred in Kentucky following their death, and have distinguished themselves through exceptional and/or valorous service to their nation. Nominations for inclusion of additional Marines for this honor should be forwarded, with supporting documentation, to the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky for its consideration


William R. Higgins

WILLIAM R. HIGGINS William Richard "Rich" Higgins (January 15, 1945 - July 6, 1990) was a United States Marine Corps colonel who was captured in 1988 while serving on a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. He was held…


Leonard F. Mason (MOH)

Leonard F. Mason (MOH) Leonard Foster Mason (22 February 1920 - 22 July 1944) served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Mason, born Middlesboro, Kentucky, 22 February 1920, enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 1943.…


John J. McGinty III (MOH)

John J. McGinty III (MOH) John J. McGinty III was born on 21 January 1940 in Boston, Massachusetts. He completed grammar school in Louisville, Kentucky in 1955, and attended high school in Louisville for a year and a half prior…


Dakota L. Meyer (MOH)

Dakota L. Meyer (MOH) Dakota L. Meyer is a United States Marine Corps veteran and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal on September 8, 2009, part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Kunar…


Presley N. O’Bannon

Presley N. O'Bannon On a lonely knoll in a Frankfort, Kentucky cemetery stands a simple stone marking the grave of the "Hero of Derne". It is among the final resting places of vice-presidents, senators, governors, artists, and scores of local…



Back To Top