Nominated by Jimmy Carter Battles and wars World War II Name Green Unthank | Spouse(s) Marilyn Ward Unthank Nationality American | |
Preceded by Seat established on October 20, 1978 by 92 Stat. 1629 (temporary) Succeeded by Seat abolished on June 14, 1988 (temporary judgeship expired) Born June 14, 1923
Tway, Kentucky, U.S. ( 1923-06-14 ) Resting place Wix Howard Cemetery, Loyall, Kentucky, U.S. Died June 25, 2013, Harlan, Kentucky, United States Education University of Kentucky, University of Miami School of Law | ||
Service/branch United States Army | ||
Green Wix Unthank (June 14, 1923 – June 25, 2013) was a United States federal judge.
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Early life and education
Unthank was born on June 14, 1923 in Tway, Kentucky, the son of Green W. Unthank and Estelle Howard Unthank, both teachers in the Harlan County school system.
Military service
After graduating from Loyall High School in 1940, Unthank enlisted in the United States Army, serving during World War II as a paratrooper in the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart as a result of injuries sustained from a German hand grenade while in enemy territory in 1943. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
Career
Unthank earned a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law in 1950. He was a judge on the Harlan County Court, Kentucky from 1951 to 1958, after which he entered private practice. He was an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky from 1966 to 1969, and was a Commonwealth's attorney of the 26th Judicial District of Kentucky from 1979 to 1980.
On December 19, 1979, Unthank was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a new seat on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky (created by 92 Stat. 1629). He was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 18, 1980, and received his commission the same day. He assumed senior status on June 14, 1988.
Death
Unthank died on June 25, 2013, in Harlan, Kentucky at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Ward Unthank.
Honor
On August 14, 2017, the Green Wix Unthank Memorial Bridge was dedicated. It crosses the Clover Fork River in Harlan County, Kentucky.