Bay classmates to honor fallen Vietnam soldier

The Bay High Class of 1965 will dedicate a plaque in memory of classmate SGT. Kenton Henninger, A Co. 2-35, during its 45th reunion at a July 17 ceremony in Cahoon Park. The event, which begins at 10 a.m., will include presentation of Ken’s military medals and awards to the Bay Village Historical Society for permanent display at the Osborn Learning Center, as well as recognition of a generous donation by the Class of 1965 for a new cupola at the historic site in Ken’s memory.

Ken, who was killed in action on March 7, 1969, in the Chu Prong mountain region of Pleiku Province, Vietnam, was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. He was the only child of the late Elwood and Adeline Henninger, who rest beside him at Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted. The military awards have for many years been in the possession of Bill Papenbrock, Ken’s first cousin. Bill recently transferred the decoration to three of Ken’s friends and former classmates, Jody Krueger, Bob Lucas and Dick Hauzer. Bob and Dick are Vietnam veterans and Jody was a very close friend of Ken’s. Bob, who served as a Marine Officer and is a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, will emcee the ceremony.

Attending the event as honored guests will be 35th Infantry Regiment ("Cacti") members, including Ken’s former platoon leader, Pat O’Connor. In addition to special family members and Ken’s classmates, representatives from the Historical Society and Bay Village civic leaders will be present. LTC. John S. Shondel, AUS, (Ret.), American Legion Post 211’s Honor Guard OIC and Post Service Officer, said the post will provide full military honors normally conducted at a Military Memorial Service.