Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans

Kenneth Farnum Sweney, Jr. was born on 12 April 1923. His parents are Kenneth F. Sweney, Sr. & Marguerite E. (Wottring). Kenneth, Jr. graduated from Harding High School in 1941. After high school high worked at Weber’s Market. Prior to entering service he was employed by Marion Steam Shovel Company.

Kenneth F. Sweney, Jr. entered service 29 January 1943, Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. He was trained at Keesler Field, Biloxi, Mississippi, and attended Mississippi State College for six months, then went to San Antonio. Sweney opted to become a bombardier, to follow in his brother’s footsteps. It was at San Antonio, that he was Classified as a Bombardier. His brother, Lt. Busby W. Sweney, would be killed in action about three months later.

After being Classified as a bombardier, Sweney became ill. He was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia and hospitalized on 3 August 1943, at Brooks General Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. His mother, Maggie, was able to be at his side while he was in the hospital. As a current student of the Army Air Corps’ Cadet program, he held the ranking of Aviation Cadet (A/C). Kenneth F. Sweney, Jr. died on 14 September 1943. He is buried in the Sweney Family plot at the Marion Cemetery.

A/C Kenneth F. Sweney, Jr. is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; on the west wall of the Marion County Courthouse; and on the World War II Veterans Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery.