Kenneth J. Houghton

Kenneth John Houghton (October 17, 1920 – March 27, 2006) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general.

Early Marine Corps career Kenneth J. Houghton was born in San Francisco, California, on October 17, 1920. He graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1938 and then attended the University of San Francisco. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Economics, Houghton enlisted in the Marines on April 15, 1942. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant on September 26.

Houghton was attached to the 2nd Marine Division and was promoted to first lieutenant, taking part in the battle of Tarawa in November 1943 and later the Battle of Saipan in mid 1944. He was promoted to captain on December 31, 1944.

In 1962, Houghton attended the Army War College and earned a master's degree in Political Science from George Washington University. He was promoted to colonel on July 1, 1964.

Kenneth J. Houghton died on March 27, 2006, in his home in La Jolla, California. He was buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.