Kelsie Duncan

Kelsie Otis Duncan (Sept. 16, 1922-Sept. 6, 1944) was a soldier from Helenwood killed in France during World War II.

See Also: Scott Countians killed in war

Biography

Born Sept. 16, 1922, Kelsie O. Duncan was the son of Johnson Leo Duncan (1899-1981) and Lettie Jeffers (1903-1989). His siblings included Frances O. Phillips (1924-2004) and Jewell Dean Slaven (1947-2011).

The Duncan family has deep roots in Scott County. Kelsie’s third-great-grandparents were Joshua L. Duncan (1808-1890) and Rosie Sartin (1810-1878) of Winfield.

When he registered for the draft, Kelsie lived in Helenwood and was employed by Union Terminal Co. in Cincinnati, Oh.

World War II

Pvt. Duncan enlisted in the U.S. Army on Dec. 15, 1942 and was assigned to Co. C, 38th Armored Infantry Regiment, 7th Armored Infantry Division. He left for overseas in June 1944, and was killed at Gravelotte, France on Sept. 6, 1944, 10 days before his 23rd birthday.

Aftermath

Pvt. Duncan’s body was returned to Scott County, and he was buried at Sexton Memorial Cemetery at Paint Rock.

He received the Purple Heart. He is listed on the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial in Knoxville. He is not listed on either two of the Scott County veterans memorials.