Kenneth L. Worley served as a machine gunner with Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. After his unit established a night ambush position in a house in the Bo Ban Hamlet of Quang Nam Province and set security, the remaining patrol members rested until their watches. During the early morning hours of 12 August 1968, the Marines were suddenly awakened by a warning that grenades had landed in the house. Fully realizing the likely result, Lance Corporal Worley instantly threw himself upon the grenade nearest him and his comrades, absorbing the full force of the explosion with his own body. His action saved his comrades from serious injury and possible death, although five fellow Marines suffered minor wounds as other grenades exploded. He died in this act of heroism, and he is buried at Westminster Memorial Park.