Isaac C. Kidd

Isaac C. Kidd was a senior officer in the United States Navy who was killed during the Attack on Pearl Harbor, becoming the first American Flag officer to die in World War II. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions aboard his flagship, the USS ''Arizona''. Kidd's death marked a significant moment in United States naval history and his legacy is commemorated through several namesake vessels and memorials.

Early life and education

Isaac Campbell Kidd was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Isaac C. Kidd Sr., a prominent local businessman. He received his early education in the Cleveland Public Schools system before receiving an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated from the academy in 1906, a member of the class that also included future admirals like William F. Halsey Jr. and Raymond A. Spruance. Following his graduation, he was commissioned as an ensign and reported for his initial sea duty aboard the USS ''Columbia'', a protected cruiser assigned to the Atlantic Fleet.

Naval career

Kidd's early career saw him serve on various vessels, including the USS ''New Jersey'' and the USS ''North Dakota'', gaining extensive experience in battleship operations. During World War I, he served as the executive officer of the USS ''New Mexico'' while it was still under construction, and later held staff positions. Between the wars, he commanded the cargo ship USS ''Vega'', the destroyer USS ''Litchfield'', and the light cruiser USS ''Trenton''. He also served important shore tours, including as an instructor at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and as Chief of Staff to the Commander of the Battleship Divisions of the Battle Fleet.

World War II service

By 1940, Kidd had been promoted to rear admiral and was appointed Commander of Battleship Division One and Chief of Staff to the Commander, Battleships, Battle Force. His flagship was the USS ''Arizona'', which was stationed at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base as part of the United States Pacific Fleet. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft launched a surprise attack on the Hawaiian Islands. Kidd was on the bridge of the *Arizona* when the ship sustained catastrophic bomb hits forward, triggering a massive explosion in the forward magazine.

Death and legacy

Admiral Kidd was killed in the explosion that destroyed the USS ''Arizona'', making him the highest-ranking U.S. officer to perish in the Attack on Pearl Harbor. His remains were never recovered. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, and his citation commended his conspicuous devotion to duty and extraordinary courage. His legacy is honored by the naming of the USS ''Kidd'' and USS ''Kidd'', a Fletcher-class destroyer and a Kidd-class destroyer respectively. His son, Isaac C. Kidd Jr., also became a United States Navy admiral and served as Judge Advocate General of the Navy. The elder Kidd is memorialized at the USS Arizona Memorial and is buried in a symbolic grave at Arlington National Cemetery.

Awards and honors

Isaac C. Kidd's military decorations include the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the World War I Victory Medal, the American Defense Service Medal with fleet clasp, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. The United States Navy has named multiple ships in his honor, and a street at the Naval Station Pearl Harbor is named Kidd Way. His Medal of Honor is on display at the National Museum of the United States Navy in Washington, D.C..

Category:United States Navy personnel of World War I Category:United States Navy personnel of World War II Category:Recipients of the Medal of Honor Category:1884 births Category:1941 deaths