Carl Kimmons

Carl Eugene Kimmons (April 10, 1920 – August 4, 2016) was an American naval officer and World War II submariner who served in the United States Navy from 1940 to 1970. Kimmons was the first person who had enlisted as a mess attendant to serve in every enlisted pay grade from E1 through E9 and end up a commissioned officer. He retired as a full lieutenant after 30 years of service (1940–1970).

Early life and service Carl Kimmons was born in Hamilton, Ohio, United States on April 10, 1920. He graduated from high school in 1939 and worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1940, when racial segregation and discrimination limited African American sailors to low-ranked positions. Kimmons became a mess attendant, feeding and cleaning up after the white officers. After undergoing basic training at Norfolk, Virginia, he was assigned to the destroyer USS McFarland in California in September 1940, where he took on administrative duties such as typing reports and maintaining the ship's log. Kimmons redeployed to the USS Cobbler (SS-344) during the closing months of World War II.

Personal life In July 1943, Kimmons married Thelma Jean Lewis, a high school classmate. The couple had three children: Karen, Larry, and Kimberly.

Kimmons died on August 4, 2016, at the age of 96. His wife and daughters survived him. He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery.