First Name: James
Last Name: Kinnaird
Middle Initial: H
Date of Birth: 02/27/1947
Sex: Male
Martial Status: Divorced
Number of Children: 1
Home Town: Windsor, WI
Education Completed: High School
Other Occupations:
Branch of Service: Marines
Highest Rank:
Serial Number: N/A
Platoon: N/A
Age at Start of Service: 19
Years of Service: 3
Combat Veteran: Yes
Time in Combat: Not Sure
Place of Combat: Vietnam
Awards:
Date of Suicide: 08/2003
Suicide Method: Gunshot
Veteran’s Story: My father was a man who gave to everyone but himself, he was always suffering from some type of stress disorder from the war, he never sought help, he just ignored it and helped everyone else. A few weeks before his death he was able to share with the me the horrible sights, sounds and smells of the war. He said even the smell and sound of fireworks on the 4th of july bothered him. I had no idea how horrible of an experience that was for him personally. As soon as the war in Iraq started he got worse, glued to the TV- saying all the young kids being sent over were trained improperly, he wanted to go and help them, train them the right way, so they could survive. My father shot himself August 19th 2003. He was my best friend, I am an only child a Marine Corp Brat if you will. Born at Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego California. We re-located shortly after that. I can’t say enough about what kind of man my dad was, he was always on a pedestal in my eyes and from what people shared with me at his wake he was in the right place. One person came to me and said my Dad kept him out of Jail by recruiting him to the Navy Sea Bee program, one person told me he paid for part of his tuition to go on to school. I always knew he was a great human being that loved his country, but these were people I didn’t even know. Shortly before his death he purchased an English Bulldog Named Ira Hayes Thunderhorse. After he died Ira came to live with us. And what a gift he has been, He spent everyday with my dad and was the last breathing thing to see him alive. And I thank god for him everyday. A part of my dad is with me everyday, sometimes I can even smell him, he still is my best friend and will remain until the time comes when we are re-united as father and daughter once again.Semper FI. Loving Daughter of James H. Kinnaird 02/27/47 – 08/19/2003
Submitted By: Wendy L. Gundlach
Relationship to Veteran: Child
