Carl Kimmons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carl Eugene Kimmons
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| Born | April 10, 1920 Hamilton, Ohio, US |
| Died | August 4, 2016 (aged 96) Waterford, Connecticut, US |
| Buried | |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1940–1970 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Alma mater | Connecticut College (BS) University of Connecticut (MA) |
| Other work | Schoolteacher |
Carl Eugene Kimmons (April 10, 1920 – August 4, 2016) was an American naval officer. He served in the United States Navy for 30 years, from 1940 to 1970. During World War II, he was a brave submariner.
Carl Kimmons achieved something amazing. He was the first person who started in the Navy as a mess attendant (the lowest rank). He then moved up through every single enlisted rank. Finally, he became a commissioned officer. He retired as a full Lieutenant.
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Carl Kimmons was born in Hamilton, Ohio, USA, on April 10, 1920. He finished high school in 1939. After that, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. This was a program that helped young men find jobs.
In 1940, Carl joined the United States Navy. At that time, there was unfair treatment based on race. African American sailors could only get low-ranking jobs. Carl became a mess attendant. His job was to serve meals and clean up for white officers.
After his basic training in Norfolk, Virginia, he went to California. He was assigned to a ship called the USS McFarland. Here, he helped with office tasks. He typed reports and kept the ship's daily records.
Submarine Combat in World War II
In 1942, Carl Kimmons asked to join the submarine force. This was a very dangerous but important job. He was assigned to the USS Plunger (SS-179).
From 1942 to late 1944, Carl served on three different submarines. He went on seven war patrols. His first four patrols were on the Plunger. Carl helped load torpedoes. He also operated the powerful .50 caliber deck gun.
In November 1943, Carl joined a new submarine. It was the Balao-class USS Parche (SS-384). He completed his last three war patrols on this submarine. On July 31, 1943, the Parche attacked an Imperial Japanese Navy group of ships. They sank two enemy ships and damaged three others. This happened in less than an hour!
The American commander, Lawson P. Ramage, received the highest military award, the Medal of Honor. Carl Kimmons and the rest of the crew received a special award too. It was called a Presidential Unit Citation. Carl later served on the USS Cobbler (SS-344) as World War II was ending.
After 1945, things started to change in the Navy. In October 1947, President Harry S. Truman made a rule. This rule opened up all Navy jobs to Black servicemen. Carl Kimmons took a pay cut to change his job. He moved from "steward 1st class" to "yeoman 2nd class". This new job had much more chance for him to get promoted.
He worked hard and became a "chief yeoman" by 1952. He then worked on land in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 1956, he moved to the USS Fulton (AS-11). Here, he reached the highest enlisted ranks: "senior chief" and "master chief yeoman".
In 1961, Carl attended officer training school in Newport, Rhode Island. He graduated in May 1961. He then worked in Washington, D.C. at the US Hydrographic Office. He handled important tasks like administration and security. He also managed top-secret information.
In 1963, he continued these duties at the submarine base in New London, Connecticut. His final job was at the Navy's underwater sound laboratory in New London. He served there as a security officer from 1968 to 1970.
Second Career as a Teacher
After retiring from the Navy, Carl Kimmons settled in Connecticut. He went back to school! In 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history from Connecticut College. He graduated with high honors.
He continued his education even further. He earned a Master of Arts degree in education and history from the University of Connecticut. He also received another certificate from Southern Connecticut State University.
Carl Kimmons then started a new career. He worked as a social studies teacher. He taught in high schools in Waterford, Connecticut for 22 years. After this second career, he retired again.
In 1987, his hometown honored him. The Booker T. Washington Community Center in Hamilton, Ohio, put him in their Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
In July 1943, Carl Kimmons married Thelma Jean Lewis. She was a classmate from high school. They had three children together: Karen, Larry, and Kimberly.
Carl Kimmons passed away on August 4, 2016. He was 96 years old. His wife and daughters survived him. He was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery.
