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Bigus, Kenneth Eli

Date of birth:
April 3rd, 1923 (Kansas City/Missouri, United States)
Date of death:
March 16th, 2010 (Kansas City/Missouri, United States)
Nationality:
American

Biography

Kenneth Eli Bigus was born in Kansas City April 3rd, 1923, as the son of Isadore and Donna Koppel Bigus. As a youngster, Kenneth worked in his grandfather's store along with a number of cousins. Kenneth attended school in Kansas City, graduated from Westport High School in 1937. He was an active Boy Scout member. Kenneth attended Kansas City Junior College. In the early 1940s, he served as president of the Jewish Youth Federation. After graduating from junior college, Kenneth attended law school at the Washington University in St. Louis.

After war broke out, Kenneth Bigus was enlisted en so interrupted his education. Kenneth was stationed overseas and fought in the Hurtgen Forest in Germany. He was seriously wounded trying to save another soldier under enemy fire.

After the war Kenneth returned to the states, finished law school and returned to Kansas City. Here he went into law practice. In 1950, Kenneth met Elma Weaver in the fall in Minneapolis.The couple married on December 31st, 1951.
Kenneth Bigus spent most of his law career in his own firm. He practiced 16 years together with his son Larry and eight years with his son Ed, finally retiring in 2006.

Kenneth Eli Bigus died on 16th March 2010 at Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, Kansas City.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
4th Infantry Division
Awarded on:
1946

HQ, 4th Infantry Division, G.O. No. 13 (1946).
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
4th Infantry Division
Badly wounded in Hürtgen Forest trying to save a fellow soldier.
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
4th Infantry Division
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)

Sources

  • - Obituary, Kansas City Star, March 17th, 2010
    - Dublin L.E., American Jews in World War II, Hesperides, 2007
    - Home of Heroes

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