Staff Sergeant Kenneth Blane Gentry, A Soldier's Story
Staff Sergeant Kenneth Blane Gentry was born on February 13, 1959, in Danville, Virginia. He attended Dan River High School before answering the call to serve, enlisting in the United States Army in 1984.
After completing his training, Staff Sergeant Gentry was assigned to the 7th Cavalry, where he served as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle gunner. In this role, he was responsible for operating the vehicle’s weapon systems and providing direct fire support to ground forces, a position that required technical skill, composure, and courage under combat conditions.
In January 1991, Staff Sergeant Gentry deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War.
On February 26, 1991, during combat operations, Staff Sergeant Kenneth Blane Gentry was killed when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle struck a landmine. He was 32 years old.
Staff Sergeant Gentry is laid to rest at Floral Hills Memory Garden in Danville, Virginia. He is remembered for his service as a cavalryman and for the sacrifice he made while supporting his fellow soldiers during one of the largest ground campaigns of the late twentieth century.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
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