| Kenneth W. Durant | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 2, 1919 Algona, Iowa |
| Died | November 3, 1942 (aged 23) Guadalcanal |
| Place of burial | Manila American (ABMC) Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1940 to 1942 |
| Rank | Pharmacist's Mate Third Class |
| Unit | Served with United States Marines |
| Battles/wars | World War II *Guadalcanal |
| Awards | Silver Star medal (posthumous) |
Kenneth W. Durant (born 2 March 1919 in Algona, Iowa) was a United States Navy sailor.
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Durant enlisted in the Navy 19 June 1940. He was killed in action on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 3 November 1942 serving with the United States Marines.
He is buried in Manila American (ABMC) Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines.
Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Durant was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal for his devotion to duty in caring for the wounded and courage in facing machine gun and sniper fire in an attempt to rescue a wounded man.
USS Durant (DE-389) was named in his honor. The ship was launched 3 August 1943 by Brown Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Texas; sponsored by Mrs. S. R. Durant, mother of Pharmacist's Mate Durant; and commissioned 16 November 1943, Lieutenant Commander C. C. Knapp, USCG, in command.