Jerry B Kennedy        
           
      Jerry B Kennedy

Jerry B Kennedy was a fighter pilot during WWII.  He flew a FM2 Wildcat with Air Squadron VC-97 while attached to the USS Shipley Bay.  He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight operations against Japanese held bases in the vicinity of Nansei Shoto. During the period 9 April 1945 to 18 May 1945 he participated in twenty strikes against the enemy.

Photographs and documents from Jerry's service are shown below including the Distinguished Flying Cross Citation.

 
 
 
           
           
   
           
  Jerry B. Kennedy piloting his FM2 Wildcat.  Air Squadron VC-97's "Fishhook" insignia can be seen in this photo.  
           
           
     
 
 
   
           
  Jerry B. Kennedy's archive collection includes this Air Squadron VC-97 Commissioning photograph.  Jerry has one of the few remaining Squadron VC-97 Farewell books he helped publish.  This green felt covered book has been scanned in high resolution and can be viewed by clicking on the book page below.

 
         
 
 
   
           
 

Jerry B Kennedy's Distinguished Flying Cross Citation

 
           
 
 
   
           
  Jerry B. Kennedy receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight operations against Japanese held bases in the vicinity of Nansei Shoto.  
           
           
 
 
   
           
  Jerry B. Kennedy's artwork can be seen in the USS Shipley Bay News Buoys.  The 21 July 1945 edition was a farewell "Wave Off" edition to Air Squadron VC-97.  All of the sketches in this edition were provided by Jerry.  The front cover is shown above with Jerry's sketch of Mark Twain Whittier.  Click [here] to read the complete edition.  
           
           
 
 
   
           
  Jerry B Kennedy's collection of photographs and documents have been archived in a digital album.  To view this album  in separate album window [Click Here]  
           
           
 
 
   
     
  Jerry B. Kennedy, 91, of Englewood, CO passed away August 18, 2013 at Denver Hospice with his family by his side.

He was born to Jay and Lucy Kennedy on September 17, 1921 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In July of 1944 he wed Peggy Dawson of Des Moines, IA after a three year courtship via mail.

"J.B." was an honorable man with high integrity. As a survivor of the Depression and a Naval aircraft carrier fighter pilot during WWII and Korea, he demanded the best of himself and the people around him.

In 1955 he began his civilian career as a pilot for United Airlines, and concurrently moved his wife and daughter to a home he designed in Englewood, CO. He retired in 1981 on his 60th birthday with a perfect flight record.

However, inside his strong exterior was an emotional man with a huge heart. Family time, hugs and kisses were most important to J.B. He continually sacrificed himself or his needs for the needs of others. His care for his family was unfailing even to his last minutes, concerned everyone would be OK and not to cry for him. He was a wonderful, caring man who fought the good fight and loved life for all he could.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Peggy, who still lives in the Englewood home; two children, Linda Gustafsson of Alpharetta, Georgia and Shawn Kennedy of Highlands Ranch, CO; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A Memorial service will be held Monday, August 26, 2013, at 11:00 AM at Mountainview Community Christian Church, 40 E. Highlands Ranch Parkway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. A Graveside service will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd, Denver, at 1:30 PM, STAGING AREA B.
 
     
  More Memorial Service Photographs  
           
  2012-09-29  Kerry B Kennedy audio interview.  
     
 
           
     
 
           
     
           
       
           
           
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