A Murfreesboro resident who served under Patton's 3rd Army in World War II at the Battle of the Bulge has passed away on December 8, 2017. Paris Alan Kennedy was 93.

Mr. Kennedy's service will take place at 2:00 o'clock Sunday afternoon, December 17 at Murfreesboro Funeral Home and will be followed by a graveside service in Woodbury.

500,000 German troops, 600,000 American troops and 55,000 British troops were involved in the battle between December 16, 1944 and January 16, 1945. The World History Group reports that it was the largest battle fought on the Western Front in Europe during World War II. It was also noted to be the largest battle ever to be fought by the United States Army.

During the fights, Adolf Hitler had his troops steal American uniforms from the dead and from U.S. prisoners of war. He also had his men use captured U.S. Military Jeeps to cause confusion among ground troops.

Despite Hitler's trickery, he lost and he lost big. The History Channel has documents showing that over 200,000 men under Hitler's command were killed or wounded. Of that number, 110,000 Germans were taken in as prisoners of war. The Germans lost 1,400 tanks in the battle as well as another 600 vehicles.

For Americans, it was a victory that came with high costs. 80,000 U.S. troops were either killed, captured our wounded during the battle. But, the U.S. was able to destroy Germans last veteran troops, tanks and artillery.

As for Mr. Kennedy, the Purple Heart recipient was honorably discharged as a Master Sargent, earning two Bronze Stars. Kennedy was also the first in his family to join the military, according to 1930 Census Records.

Past National Exchange Club President Don Wright stated, "He came to the Healing Field every single year." The Healing Field, Flags of Remembrance is an ongoing project of the local Exchange Club. Annually, hundreds of U.S. Flags are posted in a military grid in a large grassy field for visitors to pause and pay respect to our veterans and current military personnel. Kennedy was one of the many visitors who not only served, but always gave the utmost respect to others who served or are serving our country.

Family

Mr. Kennedy is survived by his dear friend of the last 14 years, Mary Hayes, and her family. He is also survived by a step-son, Harry Grizzle of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and a step-daughter, Janie Martin of McMinnville, TN. Numerous nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive.

Mr. Kennedy was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church, in Murfreesboro. In his earlier years he was a member of the Baptist faith, preaching at churches throughout Middle Tennessee and attending at Garrison Fork Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Gallatin.