A 1931 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, John E. Kirkpatrick was proud of his service to his country. Initially, he served as an officer until 1935 and remained in the Navy Reserves until he was called back to active duty in early 1941.
During World War II, Mr. Kirkpatrick served on the USS Alaska and the USS Oklahoma City, earning two Bronze Stars and holding the rank of Commander after the war. He continued his career in the U. S. Navy Reserve, retiring as a Rear Admiral in 1956.
He would go on to establish the Oklahoma City Community Foundation in 1969. This video was produced for what would have been Admiral Kirkpatrick’s 100th birthday in February 2008.