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Lake City, Florida: A Sesquicentennial Tribute (2009) H. Morris Williams, Dr. Kevin M. McCarthy

The death of Fred Kinard

A local man killed in World War II who was honored with a
street dedication was Fred Kinard. An official U.S.Navy memorial
sign posted on the right as you enter Fred Kinard Street, which was
dedicated in 2008, reads as follows: “In memory of Lt. (j.g.) Leon
Fredrick Kinard in honor and recognition of his valiant service to our
country and whose personal sacrifice and heroic actions during World

War II helped shape the destiny of our nation.” Leon Fredrick Kinard
(CHS 1942), navy pilot and
war hero, was killed during
World War II when he was
just 21 years old. Fred was
honored because his bomber
had sunk a Japanese heavy
cruiser. For that, he was
awarded the Navy Cross (the
Navy’s highest medal) and a
Silver Star.

Admiral J.S. McCain

awarded Fred these medals
with the following words: “His
supreme courage and utter
disregard for his own personal
safety and life were at all times
Lieutenant Fred Kinard in keeping with the highest

traditions of the United States
Navy.” Fred grew up in Lake
City and did not have an easy upbringing. His father, Leon, died when
Fred was just eight years old, leaving his wife, Estelle, 30 years old,
to take care of herself and her four children, ages 3-8: Fred, Nadine,
Ben, and Bob.

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