Kenneth H. Hess

This article presents the story of World War II veteran Kenneth H. Hess which first appeared in The Record Herald (Waynesboro, Pa.). It later appeared as Chapter 3 in Off to War: Franklin Countians in World War II by Roscoe Barnes III (Burd Street Press, 1996).

Off to War chronicles the memories and experiences of 13 World War II veterans from Franklin County in Pennsylvania. Amid drama, pain and sometimes humor, the veterans recall their experiences in graphic details. 

In Chapter 3, Kenneth H. Hess of Waynesboro, Pa., talks about the loss of a friend by sniper fire, his close-call in dangerous situations and his private journal. He shares his grandson's report about his military service, and he recalls the time he met Audie Murphy, who became highly decorated for his service during the war. The veteran also describes the final moments of a fellow soldier, Roy "Mooch" Mowen, who reportedly became the first soldier from Waynesboro to die in the war.