Honor A Veteran

Albany County Honors Pair of Brothers Who Fought in World War II

Frank and William Kennedy Each Served in General Patton's Third Army

Albany County Executive Mike Breslin, Congressman Michael McNulty and the Honor-A-Veteran Committee commemorated World War II veterans Frank X. Kennedy and William E. Kennedy Jr. at a ceremony on October 1, 2007, in Albany.

Frank and his younger brother William were both graduates of St. Patrick's Grade School and Cohoes High School. The brothers fought in World War II during the Battle of the Bulge.

Frank served in General Patton's Third Army, 87th Infantry Division, Co C-345 and was shot by a German sniper on March 4, 1945, nearly losing his life. After spending several months in overseas hospitals, Frank returned home to his wife and daughter. He served as First Ward Alderman on the Cohoes Common Council from 1980 until 2000. Frank was active in the Cohoes Community, serving as a trustee of St. Patrick's Church.

Corporal Bill Kennedy served in General Patton's Third Army, 8th Armored Division, Co A, 18th Tank Battalion. He served for two years before being killed in action at age 20. Corporal Kennedy was participating in a drive across the Roer River to the Rhine River and was hit by a 75mm high velocity shell from a German Mark V panther tank.

The Honor-A-Veteran ceremony is held the first Monday of every month to honor a deceased veteran of the community.

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