BG John T. Kennedy, USA

Class of 1907

Hometown: Hendersonville, SC

Distinguished Alumnus Photo

  • Kennedy attended The Citadel for his freshmen year from 1903-1904, before receiving an appointment to the USMA. 
  • In 1909, Kennedy earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism while serving with the 6th Cavalry at Patian Island, Philippines, July 4, 1909, during the Philippine-American War.  His citation reads: "While in action against hostile Moros, he entered with a few enlisted men the mouth of a cave occupied by a desperate enemy, this act having been ordered after he had volunteered several times. In this action, 2d Lt. Kennedy was severely wounded."
  • During WWI, Kennedy served in the Field Artillery, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel.  He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action while Commanding the 5th Field Artillery, and the Distinguished Service Medal while serving as Regimental Commander during the St. Mihiel offensive and the Meuse-Argonne offensive.  After the war, he served as Professor of Military Science at Auburn University from 1926 to 1931.  During World War II Kennedy was the Post Commander at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from 1942 to 1945, with the rank of Brigadier General.