Marion Hardy (Son) Kinon was born in Dillion, South Carolina 6 Mar 1929. He received his commission ROTC and joined the South Carolina Army National Guard in 24 May 1954. He graduated from the Army Aviation School at San Marcos, Texas and Camp Rucker, Alabama in March, 1955 and from the helicopter school in June, 1955 making him the first Guardsman from South Carolina to attend Flight school. He served with the 296th Field Artillery Aviation Section until the organization of 51st Aviation Company in 1959 when he transferred to the Aviation Company and later assumed command of the 51st Aviation Company in March 1968.
He flew the L-21, L-17, L-19, O1-A, U6-A, OH-13, OH-23, and OH-58 aircraft.
In 1986 he became the first South Carolina Army National Guard Aviator to be promoted to Brigadier General while serving as the Deputy Adjutant General.
In addition to his military career he was a lawyer, a County Magistrate, Fourth Circuit Solicitor, and an at-large Circuit Judge. Additionally, he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives and served multiple terms.