PFC Robert R. Kennedy

Our Hometown Heroes

Robert R. Kennedy

Paratrooper was a Spalding High Student

Robert R. Kennedy was born on February 3, 1919. Growing up in Griffin Kennedy attended Spalding High School as a young man. PFC Kennedy volunteered for active duty in the U.S. Army on July 3, 1943. Kennedy would receive training at Camp Wallace, Ft. Benning, Camp Toccoa, Camp McCall and Camp Polk. He would serve overseas in the Pacific Theater for eight months during World War 2.

PFC Kennedy was killed in action in Leyte on December 15, 1944. His wife, Mrs. Maybelle Royals Kennedy and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Kennedy received the dreaded telegram of their husband and son’s death.

PFC Kennedy is buried in the National Cemetery in Marietta, Ga. Although Kennedy did not come home alive, a community now honors the World War II, Hometown Hero. An individual plaque will be installed in Historic Downtown Griffin. The plaque is proudly sponsored by United Bank.