Quick Facts
Biography
Kenneth Hart Muir was born July 25, 1916 in Brooklyn, New York.
Navy career
Muir enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve September 23, 1940 to serve as apprentice seaman until he was appointed midshipman February 14, 1941.
He died in action as officer in charge of the U.S. Armed Guard on board SS Nathaniel Hawthorne, sunk in the Caribbean November 7, 1942 by U-508. Although severely wounded, he “ordered the three men near him to leap clear and then rushed back to help more 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, he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart.
Namesake
USS Muir (DE-770) was named in his honor. The ship was laid down by Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Tampa, Florida, June 1, 1943; launched June 4, 1944; sponsored by his sister, Mrs. Witten H. McConnochie, and commissioned August 30, 1944, LCdr. Theodore A. O’Gorman, USNR, in command.