Kenneth Bleau was born on 27 August 1915 in Waterville, NY, the son of Louis B. and Elizabeth Amelia Suters Bleau. Kenneth enlisted in the U.S. Army in February 1941. After completing the Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in October 1942. He then trained with the Ski Troops. He was deployed to Europe in May 1943.

On D-Day, 6 June 1944, Second Lieutenant Kenneth Bleau was serving with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One), First U.S. Army in the European Theater of Operations.

On that day, 2LT Bleau's unit was in action against German forces at Normandy, France, while spearheading a drive off Omaha Beach. 2LT Bleau's unit suffered major casualties that cut its numbers by two-thirds and only 13 men remained when they went into Colleville. The small group held onto a courtyard that was completely surrounded and repeatedly attacked by the enemy. The men fought hard through the night and when they were relieved the following morning, they had killed over 100 German soldiers. 2LT Bleau's Company G was credited with saving the 1st Infantry Division and received the personal congratulations of Division Commander, Major General Clarence R. Huebner. 2LT Bleau's inspired leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

On 1 August 1944, 2LT Bleau was Killed in Action at Normandy, France. He is now buried at Brittany American Cemetery, Montjoie Saint Martin, France.

Distinguished Service Cross Citation
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Kenneth Bleau (0-1294967), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in the vicinity of France. Second Lieutenant Bleau's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army. Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 77 (1944)
Source of information: http://www.militaryhallofhonor.com/honoree-record.php?id=49592