U.S. Army Captain (Ret.) Kenneth Griffith, 79, of Anniston, Allabama, died on July 5, 2019. He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, three daughters, seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law, sister and brother-in-law, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar U. Griffith and Elna Lawler; daughter, Kassandra Griffith; and sister, Theresa G. Schuler. He was born in Blue Mountain, Alabama and was raised in Anniston. After he graduated from Anniston High School, he joined the U.S. Army. He began his military career with the Military Police at Fort McClellan, Alabama, and was later stationed throughout the Southeast and in Europe. His final station was in Cu Chi, northeast of Saigon, with the 25th Infantry Division. Defending his load of wounded casualties, the front bubble of the helicopter he was piloting was shattered by gunfire, seriously wounding both himself and his co-pilot who was unconscious. He fought on and succeeded in flying his disabled helicopter back to camp, accomplishing a controlled crash landing before succumbing to his own wounds. For his heroism in this battle, he was awarded the third highest military honor: the Silver Star. Griffith was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster after a seven-hour helicopter battle with Viet Cong guerillas. He was recommended for the Medal of Honor by his commanding officer. During his military service he also received the Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Aviator Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with three stars, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal with two loops, and the National Defense Medal. After completing physical rehabilitation due to the loss of his leg in combat, he officially retired and returned to his hometown of Anniston. He was afforded the honor of receiving an invitation to address both the Alabama House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate for recognition from the Floor. He attended Jacksonville State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1974, a Master of Public Administration in Criminal Justice in 1975, and a Master of Science in Personnel Counseling in 1976. He was a Master Mason in a local Anniston Lodge..Graveside service with full military honors: 10:00 a.m. July 20, 2019 at Crook Cemetery, Ohatchee.