Kendall Carl Campbell


Kendall Carl Campbell was born 25 July 1917 in Garden City, Kansas.

Navy career

After enlisting in the Naval Reserve 28 October 1940, Campbell reported to the Naval Reserve Aviation Base in Kansas City for flight training 15 November. Appointed Aviation Cadet on 1 February 1941, he became an Ensign on 19 August. He was assigned to carrier combat squadrons, courageously engaging the enemy in the early actions.

Awarded the Navy Cross

During the Battle of the Coral Sea, Ens. Campbell lost his life in this action and was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously. The official Navy citation:
He was also awarded the Gold Star in lieu of the Second Navy Cross for service in New Guinea. The official Navy citation:

Namesake

was named in his honor. She was launched 19 March 1944 by the Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Company, Newark, New Jersey; sponsored by Mrs. Carl B. Campbell; and commissioned 31 July 1944, Lt. Comdr. R. W. Johnson in command.