Kenneth Edward Blackmore attended Edward Little High
School [in
Auburn, Maine]. On
Sept. 24, 1943, Edward enlisted in the Army. He was sent to Fort
Benning, Ga., for parachute training, after which he was assigned to
unit 509 Paratroop Infantry Battalion, later absorbed by the 82nd
Airborne Division. He was active in the battles and campaigns of
Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe, including Rome and Africa,
receiving many medals and citations. He was honorably discharged Dec.
23, 1946.
He returned to Maine briefly before settling in Helena
[MT] where he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad. In
1966, he transferred to Missoula and in January 1987, after 40 years
with the railroad, Edward retired. During his retirement he traveled
extensively, by plane, motorhome and auto with his wife, Eileen.
Edward was a member of the Masonic Lodge #3, Scottish
Rites, Algeria Shrine, Confederate Air Force, Paratroopers Static Line,
Unit 509 Paratroopers Infantry Association, and Aircraft Owners and
Pilots Association. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and
traveling. His greatest passion was flying his "Mooney" airplane,
especially over the hills and mountains of Montana.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Eileen;
brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Earl and Esther Norton of Helena;
sister-in-law, Mrs. Ben Blackmore; aunts, Teresa Keough, Isabel Welton,
all of Maine; cousins in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine and Canada.
He was preceded in death by parents; sister, Betty Goding and brother,
Ben Blackmore all of Maine.
Cremation has taken place. Inurnment will be in Sunset
Memorial Gardens in Helena. At his request, there will be no services.
[The Helena Independent Record - September 03, 2000] |
[courtesy of Becky Warner)
Edward enlisted in the Army on 24 September 1943 and
volunteered for parachutist duty.
It was not until 11 April 1945 that Pvt Blackmore was
transferred to Service Company, 508th PIR. It is not known which
unit he served in previously.
Om 11 April 1945 Pvt Blackmore was transferred within
the regiment to Company E.
He was discharged on 23 December 1946.
As evidenced by his grave marker, Pvt Blackmore
received the Purple Heart at some time prior to joining the 508th.
On 23 May 1945 he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal in the 508th's
General Order 15.
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