Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1966 Lucky Bag:

KENNETH JOSEPH KIRBY

Easy going, mild mannered, and hard working, Ken graduated from Norview High School, in Norfolk, Virginia, where he was a standout athlete in baseball, basketball, and track. During his four years at the Academy, Ken managed to continue his excellent athletic record, beginning in his first year when he started as first baseman for the Plebe team, and a year later when he was easily the most versatile ball-player under Coach Joe Duff, playing every infield position. His outstanding ability and athletic prowess have made him a great asset to the Navy baseball squad. Ken has never lacked for friends of either sex, due to his friendly smile and winning personality. He maintains a cool head and a calm, reserved attitude during situations of stress and has exceptional qualities for leadership. Ken’s future can bring nothing but success for him.

---

He was also a member of the 2nd Regiment staff (spring).

Loss

Kenneth was lost on September 9, 1968 when the RA-5C Vigilante he was piloting crashed off the coast of California; LCDR Wesley L. Woolf was also lost in the crash. The crash was the result of an arresting wire accident as the plane attempted to recover aboard USS Ranger (CV 61).

Other Information

From the November 1968 issue of Shipmate:

Lt.(jg) Kenneth J. Kirby, USN, was killed 9 Sept. in a plane accident in USS Ranger off the coast of California. Services were held in the Episcopal Chapel, Pottsville, Pa., with interment in Charles Davers Cemetery. Lt Kirby was born at Oak Hill, Fayette, W. Va., and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1966. He completed flight training at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, and was a flight officer attached to Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 3, Naval Air Station, Albany, Ga.

He is survived by his widow, the former Judy Harmon of Pottsville, who lives in Albany, Ga. 31705; his parents, Lt. and Mrs. John R. Kirby of Annapolis, Md.; three brothers, Robert, of Norfolk, Va., and William and Brookie of Annapolis.

From researcher Kathy Franz: “He graduated from Norview High School in 1962. Monogram Club, V-P 4; Student Co-operative; Cross country; Basketball; Baseball.” He lettered in all three sports, was a member of the State championship cross country team, and in 1961 was third in the Virginia Eastern District with a .449 batting average. US Senator Jennings Randolph nominated and announced Kenneth’s appointment to the US Naval Academy.

Kenneth was married to Judy in March, 1967 and was attending training at the Naval Air base in Meridian, MS. Prior to his death he had been based at the Naval Air Station Albany.

Kenneth is buried in Pennsylvania.

Photographs

Source

From his high school yearbook

From his high school yearbook

From his high school yearbook

From his high school yearbook