Green Wix Unthank
Green Wix Unthank was a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.Education and career
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. 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 Infantry Regiment. 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. Unthank earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 1950. He was a judge of the Harlan County Court in Kentucky from 1951 to 1958, after which he entered private practice. He was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky from 1966 to 1969, and was commonwealth's attorney of the 26th Judicial District of Kentucky from 1979 to 1980.Federal judicial service
On December 19, 1979, Unthank was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky created by. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 18, 1980, and received his commission the same day. President Ronald Reagan involuntarily certified Unthank as disabled on November 30, 1987, pursuant to 71 Stat. 586. Pursuant to the certification, Unthank assumed senior status on June 14, 1988, but continued to maintain a substantial caseload.Death
Unthank died on June 25, 2013, in Harlan, Kentucky at the age of 90. He was 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.
