Murphy, Kenneth papers

Kenneth A. Murphy was born and raised in Lakefield, Minnesota and prior to World War Two attended the University of St. Thomas for pre-med and the University of Minnesota for agriculture. In 1942 Murphy was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 11th Airborne Division until October 1946. He was then assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, participating in the Allied Occupation of Japan following World War Two. In 1949 he was with the United States military Observer and Advisory Group in Palestine. From November 1951 to April 1954 he served with the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during the Korean Conflict and with Allied forces in Japan. Starting in 1954 he served as the National Guard Advisor for the 150th Infantry Regiment at St. Albans, West Virginia. He attended the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in September 1955. Upon graduating, he rejoined the 82nd Airborne Division as a battle group executive officer for the 1st Airborne Battle Group, 504th Infantry Regiment in Giessen, Germany. After completing the assignment in Germany in March of 1965, he was transferred to the XVIII Airborne Corps until July of 1967 he was assigned to the Minnesota Army Reserves as a Senior Advisor. He retired from military service as a colonel in August 1972. After his retirement Murphy became vice-president of the 11th Airborne Division Association from 1978-1979, and worked at Investment Rarities Inc. in Minneapolis as a silver, gold, and rare coins counselor.