September 2017 – Bandstand Flag Notice
Kenneth Watts Military Photo
Kenneth Watts
Nov. 27, 1895 – Sept. 28, 1942
Private First Class
United States Army
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The flag flying over the bandstand during the month of September is in honor of Kenneth Watts.
Mr. Watts was born on a farm near Barnes City in 1895 and had lived in Mahaska County nearly all of his life. In 1918, he enlisted in the US Army. He served with Company B, 360th Regiment, 90th Division, A.E.F. for fourteen months during WWI. Eleven of those months were spent overseas taking part in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and the St. Mihiel Offensive, two strategically significant battles for the success of the war. November 2, 1918, he was stationed in Andevanne, France and was sent with another runner from battalion headquarters to deliver a message to the frontline company, Private Watts made his way through enemy fire and when his comrade was wounded, delivered the message, then rescued his wounded companion, carrying him under heavy fire to a dressing station. He then returned to duty. Because of the extraordinary heroism in action, Kenneth was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. At that time, he was the only veteran from Mahaska County to be awarded this high honor.
Kenneth Watts Civilian Photo
Kenneth returned to Iowa to operate a farm near Barnes City for a several years, and then operated a produce station in New Sharon until his death. Also operated produce stations in Sigourney and in What Cheer during that time. He was an active participant in the American Legion and Commercial Club. He served as the town clerk in New Sharon and an organizer for the New Sharon Rose Festival of which he was the winner of the Champion Rose award in 1940. Tragically, Kenneth passed away suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 44, after attending a high school football game.
If you are interested in flying the flag of a veteran above the bandstand, contact Shawn Langkamp at Garland-VanArkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel at 641-672-2181 or www.gvlfuneralchapel.com Contact Us Link.
