Date of Birth: 02/22/1948
Neighborhood: West Philadelphia
High School: Overbrook High School
Street: Markoe Street
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: CPL
Date of Casualty: 02/24/1967
Province of Casualty: Tay NInh
Philadelphia Memorial Panel: Panel 16
Panel Row: 14
Click on the memorial panel below for a printable photo of the serviceman on this page.
Daring and independent, Kirby joined the Army when he was 13 years old. He was honorably discharged several months later when his age was discovered, but the youngster remained thoroughly convinced the Army was for him. Kirby returned to Overbrook High School and became a star football player. He reenlisted in early 1967, and this time stayed in the Army. The corporal, a rifleman, was sent to Vietnam, where he was assigned to Company A of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st infantry Division. Kirby died on Feb. 24, 1967, two days after his 19th birthday. He was survived by his mother, three brothers and two sisters.