Nation Recognizes Local 'Hometown Hero'

SAN BERNARDINO >> Mayor R. Carey Davis and the Common Council have named June 16 as Vice Admiral Kenneth M. Carr Day in honor of San Bernardino’s legendary “Hometown Hero." Carr was born March 17, 1925 and died at the age of 90 on Nov. 15, 2015. Carr and his wife Molly of 63 years were buried together at Arlington National Cemetery by order of the President of the United States. As a small boy, Carr lived at 776 West 4th Street near the corner of “F” Street. He attended Lincoln Elementary School, Sturges Junior High School and San Bernardino High School, as well as San Bernardino Valley College. Carr visited his mother and family each year and made contact with the community that he grew up in. When Carr was old enough, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and quickly became a Landing Craft Driver. He landed under enemy fire with Combat Marines and the Army in the bloodiest battles of WWII in Guam, Okinawa and the Mariana Islands, and evacuated the wounded. He was the Navy’s Senior Submarine Officer and the highest ranking military officer from the Inland Empire. After WWII, Carr sailed into World History as the Gunnery Officer aboard the World’s First Nuclear Submarine (SS 571) Nautilus. He then set World History as the Engineering Officer aboard the Nautilus (SS 571) as the first ever under the Ice Cap at the North Pole. Any mishap aboard the Nautilus (SS 571) would entomb the crew under more than 60 feet of ice for eternity. Carr’s 42 years of Naval Service memorabilia will be distributed to local schools and libraries, as well as naval museums, under the direction of his boyhood neighbor and personal friend, Navy Veteran Jack H. Brown. “We love you and we will never forget you," said Brown, also executive chairman of Stater Bros. Markets. "Your proud ‘Hometown’ of San Bernardino and a grateful nation salutes you…‘Our Very Own Hometown Hero.' Sailor, rest your oar."