Among the many heroes who emerged from the brutal combat of the Korean War, few demonstrate self-sacrifice as powerfully as Staff Sergeant Robert Sidney Kennemore. A Marine whose courage in the frozen hell of the Chosin Reservoir saved the lives of his brothers-in-arms, Kennemore’s story is one of humble beginnings, unwavering duty, and extraordinary valor. His heroic actions—absorbing the blast of multiple grenades to protect his men—earned him the Medal of Honor and secured his place among America’s greatest warriors.
Early Life and Struggles: Robert S. Kennemore was born on June 21, 1920, in Greenville, South Carolina. He attended high school in nearby Simpsonville until 1935 and later worked for the Montgomery Ward Company in Chicago, Illinois. Like many young men of his generation, he carried both the responsibilities of everyday life and the growing awareness that the world was on the brink of conflict. These early experiences, built on work ethic and perseverance, shaped the character of a man who would one day risk everything for others.
Military Enlistment and Heroics: Kennemore enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on June 20, 1940, just before the U.S. entered World War II. After completing boot camp in San Diego, he served with the legendary 1st Marine Division, fighting in the Guadalcanal–Tulagi campaign. His service took him across the Pacific and around the United States, with assignments at Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, New Orleans, Florida, Oregon, and Japan during the occupation period.
By 1949, he had joined the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and when the Korean War broke out, he deployed with the 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He fought in both the battle for Seoul and the infamous Chosin Reservoir campaign—one of the harshest, coldest, and deadliest engagements in Marine Corps history.
Defining Moment: In late November 1950, during a savage enemy assault near Yudam-ni, Staff Sergeant Kennemore’s unit came under overwhelming attack. As grenades rained into their trench, he reacted with absolute selflessness. He picked up the first grenade and threw it back. When a second grenade landed, he pressed it into the ground with his foot. Spotting a third grenade nearby, he made the ultimate choice—he covered it with his own body.
The explosions cost him both of his legs, but they saved the lives of two fellow Marines.
His leadership did not falter even after being gravely wounded. Kennemore’s bravery not only protected his men but played a vital role in repelling the enemy force. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, presented personally by President Harry S. Truman on November 24, 1952.
Post-War Life and Career: Kennemore returned to the United States in December 1950 and spent nearly a year recovering at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Oakland, California. Forced into retirement on October 31, 1951, he continued to serve as a symbol of resilience and patriotism.
In 1956, he appeared at the Republican National Convention, leading the Pledge of Allegiance on its opening day—an honor reflecting his standing as one of the nation’s most respected veterans.
Staff Sergeant Kennemore passed away on April 26, 1989, and was laid to rest at San Francisco National Cemetery, where his legacy of courage endures.
Military Awards and Decorations: Staff Sergeant Kennemore’s heroism and decades of service earned him an impressive array of medals, including:
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Medal of Honor
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Purple Heart
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Presidential Unit Citation with two bronze stars
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Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars
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American Defense Service Medal
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American Campaign Medal
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Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze stars
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World War II Victory Medal
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Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia clasp
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National Defense Service Medal
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Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars
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United Nations Service Medal
His legacy lives on through the Owens/Kennemore Detachment #1105 of the Marine Corps League in Greenville, named in honor of Kennemore and fellow Medal of Honor recipient Robert A. Owens.
Robert S. Kennemore’s story is the embodiment of Marine Corps values—courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty. In the bitter cold of the Chosin Reservoir, he chose to place the lives of his brothers above his own, an act of heroism that echoes through history. His service spanned both World War II and Korea, and his Medal of Honor stands as a testament to the extraordinary character of a man who refused to let danger touch those he swore to protect.
Staff Sergeant Kennemore reminds us that true heroism is selfless, and that the greatest measure of a warrior is not found in battlefield victories, but in the willingness to give everything for others.