Kenneth Hart Muir

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Kenneth Hart Muir was born 25 July 1916 in Brooklyn, New York.

[edit] Navy career

Muir enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve 23 September 1940 to serve as apprentice seaman until he was appointed midshipman 14 February 1941.

He died in action as officer in charge of the U.S. Armed Guard on board SS Nathaniel Hawthorne, sunk in the Caribbean 7 November 1942 by U-508. Although severely wounded, he “ordered the three men near him to leap clear...and then rushed back to help more...to 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, Lieutenant (jg.) Muir was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Navy Cross.

[edit] Namesake

USS Muir (DE-770) was named in his honor. The ship was laid down by Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Tampa, Florida, 1 June 1943; launched 4 June 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Witten H. McConnochie, sister of the late Lieutenant (jg.) Muir; and commissioned 30 August 1944, Lt. Comdr. Theodore A. O’Gorman, USNR, in command.