Kenneth Cuddeback had an active, dangerous, and interesting  career in Hq1 of the 508^th PIR. 

·        In September 1944 he made a hazardous daylight combat jump into Holland

·        In December 1944 he was fighting in the "Battle of the Bulge"

·        On Christmas Eve 1944 he participated in a perilous night withdrawal

·        In January 1945 he participated in a massive counterattack to destroy the Third Reich

·        In late January and early February 1945, he helped penetrate and destroy the heavily fortified Siegfried Line

·        In February 1945, he was on the west bank of the Roer River, the threshold to industrial Germany

·        Kenneth ended his military service as a proud member of the 508th PIR security forces and honor guards supporting General Eisenhower’s headquarters in Germany 

Kenneth Cuddeback earned:

·        Bronze Star Medal

·        Invasion Arrowhead

·        Three battle stars

·        Parachute Qualification badge with star (combat jump in Holland)

·        Combat Infantry Badge

·        Belgium Fourragere

·        Orange Lanyard of the Royal Netherlands Army

·        Numerous defense medals including the Victory medal and Occupation medal with Germany Bar 

Kenneth Cuddeback returned to Iowa and on May 28, 1946  married his high school sweetheart,  Marion McDowell in West Chester.

He then joined with his father in operating Cuddeback Farms and managed the farm until his death in 2000 following  heart  surgery.  

Note: The majority of Hq1 men averaged 19 years of age when they join-ed the company.  Many of them had agricultural backgrounds, and most of the men had similar educations. Accordingly, the emotions, thoughts, and perspectives depicted herein or which might emerge contribute to the profile of the men that served proudly in Hq1. They were dedicated heroes.