General Albert W. Kenner

General Albert W. Kenner grew up in Virginia and graduated from George Washington University. He served as a medical officer with the First Infantry Division in France in World War I. During his tour, he was wounded in action and cited for gallantry during that campaign. During World War II, MG Kenner was the Chief Surgeon for Operation Torch, the amphibious landings at Casablanca in 1942. Operation Torch is distinguished as the longest transport over water by an invasion force, since the troop convoys formed on America’s east cost, crossed the Atlantic Ocean (infested with German U-boats) and completed a coordinated attack of British and American forces. Based on his experiences and demonstrated leadership, he was named Chief Medical Officer for Operation Overlord, the allied landings in Normandy, France on 6 June 1944. He continued his service as the first European Theater Surgeon immediately following cessation of hostilities in Europe and retired from active duty in 1952.

Read more about MG Kenner in Bob Hufford's essay on his life at the Find A Grave website.