Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger joined a festive 100th birthday celebration at the home of Sierra Madre resident and World War II veteran Kenneth Anhalt.
Mr. Anhalt was all smiles as various members of the community stopped by to share their well-wishes and pay tribute to his extraordinary military career achievements during World War II.
“Being able to honor Kenneth Anhalt on his 100th birthday and personally thank him for his military service is something I will never forget,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “His bravery and resilience is inspiring, as is his ongoing local community service that persisted well after his military service ended. I am very happy that our community has gathered around Kenneth on his special day to show him how appreciated he is.”
Congresswoman Judy Chu, along with Jim Zenner, Director of Los Angeles County’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department from the American Legion STAR Post and Temple Station were also on hand to share their congratulations.
“Our World War II veterans fought valiantly for our country against an enemy that would have undoubtedly stripped us of our American identity and way of life,” stated Jim Zenner, L.A. County’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Director. “Because of Americans like Mr. Anhalt who have answered the call to serve, we are able to live free and enjoy our way of life.”
Mr. Anhalt served in the U.S. Air Forces, also referred to colloquially as the U.S. Army Air Corp, from 1943 through 1945. During those two years, he flew 28 bombing missions as a tail-gunner on a B-25 Liberator against Nazi-occupied Europe and Germany.
Mr. Anhalt was awarded the Air Medal with two clusters (act of heroism or meritorious achievement) while participating in aerial flight. He also received a battle star that is earned by members of organizations taking part in certain battles or other wartime operations.
He is a native of the Bronx and Queens and has been married for 76 years to his wife Shirley Abbney Miller. He attended Pasadena City College, became a quality engineer, and worked at JPL until his retirement. He also served on the Sierra Madre Police Commission and is a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3208 in Sierra Madre.
Mr. Anhalt’s family shared the following message today, expressing their reaction to the celebration of their family’s patriarch:
“Our father, Kenneth Jay Anhalt, exemplifies what being a wonderful man really is. He has always been an example of a patriot, has served God, country, his community and of course his family. He has been an inspiration to all of us in so many ways. The world is a much better place because he has been part of our lives. He has left his mark on us by not only his accomplishments, but also by the family he helped to raise. We are so honored today to be part of this auspicious celebration.”