African American. Alaska Highway. Medical Detachment. Born: 23 September 1922, Abbeville, Henry County, AL. Died: 13 June 2009, Abbeville, Henry County, AL. Enlisted: 17 March 1941, Ft. McClellan, AL and discharged 10 November 1945.
Education: grammar school. Civilian occupation: truck driver. His father was Artie Kirkland, a barber, 1899-1965. His mother was Lucy Mathews Kirkland, a laundress for a private family, 1897-1969. He married Ruth Craddock 1927-2017.
Pfc Kirkland was a member with the medical detachment assigned to the segregated 97th Engineers. They arrived at Valdez, Alaska on 29 April 1942. The 97th Engineers built the northern section of the Alaska Highway. Both returned to Camp Sutton, NC September 1943 and their next assignment was Milne Bay, New Guinea, Philippines.
Serial #34032960