Kenneth Hart Muir
Kenneth Hart Muir (July 25, 1916 – November 7, 1942) was an officer in the United States Navy who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the sinking of SS Nathaniel Hawthorne in World War II. USS Muir (DE-770) was named in his honor.
Kenneth Hart Muir | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 25, 1916 Brooklyn, New York |
| Died | November 7, 1942 (aged 26) Caribbean Sea |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1940–1942 |
| Rank | Ensign |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross Purple Heart |
Early life
Muir was born on July 25, 1916 in Brooklyn, New York.
Navy career
Muir enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve on September 23, 1940 to serve as apprentice seaman until he was appointed midshipman February 14, 1941.
Muir died in action as officer in charge of the U.S. Armed Guard on board SS Nathaniel Hawthorne, sunk in the Caribbean on November 7, 1942 by U-508. Although severely wounded, he "ordered the three men near him to leap clear and then rushed back to help more escape. He was still urging his gunners over the side when the ship went down." For his outstanding courage and unselfish devotion to his men, he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart.
Namesake
USS Muir (DE-770) was named in his honor. The ship was laid down by Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Tampa, Florida, on June 1, 1943; launched on June 4, 1944; sponsored by his sister, Mrs. Witten H. McConnochie, and commissioned on August 30, 1944, with Lieutenant Commander Theodore A. O'Gorman in command.
References
- This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.