John Francis Kirwin

John Kirwin Killed In Pacific Plane Crash
Aviation Ordnanceman Dies In Navy Bomber Fall

(Sept. 28, 1944) -- Ordnanceman 3/c John F. Kirwin of 90 Forest Street, Belleville, N.J., was killed in the South Pacific when his patrol plane (PBM) crashed at sea on Sept. 5.

"Jack" Kirwin was 19 when he enlisted in the Navy in February 1943. He didn't finish high school, he went as a senior to boot training at Sampson.

Kirwin received his specialized training in Tennessee, Florida and California before going overseas in July 1944.

His twin brother, James E., is believed to be serving overseas.

Seaman, First Class John F. Kirwin, U.S. Navy
07091880

United States Naval Reserve
Entered the Service from: New Jersey
Died: September 5, 1944

Missing in Action or Buried at Sea
Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial
Honolulu, Hawaii

Father: John Francis Kirwin Sr., Forest Street, Belleville.

Belleville Street Sign Memorials

In June 2016, Belleville Township Council passed a resolution to dedicate certain streets in town to servicemen who hailed from the municipality.

Sources

American Battle Monuments Commission

Belleville Times, Sept. 28, 1944

World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing,
State of New Jersey, War Dept. June 1946

James Kirwin, August 2003