Kosciusko High School student James Hunter Kittrell, 15, has been named winner of the American Legion Auxiliary Youth Hero and Award by Philadelphia Unit 138, Mississippi Department and is in competition for the national Youth Hero Award with the winner to be named Aug. 27.
Kittrell was cited for rescuing his great-grandmother, Kate McCune Townsend, from her burning home in late July 2017. Details of this successful rescue were included in a feature story in The Star-Herald, and the story has been included in his nomination submission.
He is the son of Mack and Amanda Breedlove Kittrell and grandson of Ann Townsend Breedlove and great-grandson of Kate Townsend all of
Kosciusko. He descends from a family of preachers, singers and self-taught musicians. The family has a military background with several members serving in various branches of service. Ironically, his birthday is on Veterans Day.
Kittrell is a ninth grade student at Kosciusko High School where he participates in school sports. He also enjoys mechanics, especially working on four-wheelers.
