THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Medal of Honor citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Lcpl Kenneth Worley, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman, and for receiving the Medal of Honor. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is Washington's birthday, and Lent has begun. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

LCPL Worley, I located your grave marker at Westminster Memorial Park, CA. It was in bad shape, crooked, not level, and dull. I spoke to the Director who said only "Next Of Kin" could correct it. You were adopted and no NOK could be located. Then MemorialDay 2019, I went to honor your grave and found a new, bright, properly installed grave marker in honor of your service. Rest in Peace.

Kenneth Lee Worley
Date of birth: April 27, 1948
Date of death: August 12, 1968
Burial location: Westminster, California
Place of Birth: New Mexico, Farmington
Home of record: Fresno California
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Medal of Honor


Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Kenneth Lee Worley (MCSN: 2230824), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 12 August 1968, while serving as a machine gunner with Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. After establishing a night ambush position in a house in the Bo Ban, Hamlet of Quang Nam Province, security was set up and the remainder of the patrol members retired until their respective watch. During the early morning hours the Marines were abruptly awakened by the platoon leader's warning that "grenades" had landed in the house. Fully realizing the inevitable result of his actions, Lance Corporal Worley, in a valiant act of heroism, instantly threw himself upon the grenade nearest him and his comrades, absorbing with his body, the full and tremendous force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved his comrades from serious injury and possible loss of life although five of his fellow Marines incurred minor wounds as the other grenades exploded. Lance Corporal Worley's gallant actions upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: 12-Aug-68

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Company: Company L

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 7th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Ken.