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United States Army Quartermaster Corps and Army Corps of Engineers officer (1905-1990) who worked on the Alaska Highway, the Canol project, and the Manhattan Project during World War II. World War II-dated TLS signed “Kirk,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal United States Army letterhead, November 2, 1944. Letter to Lt. Col. Whitney Ashbridge, former commander of the Army Post at Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project, in part: “On my return from my last voyage to the field, I learned that you were temporarily at your home awaiting a new assignment. I wish you every success on your coming work and wish to congratulate you on the manner in which you carried out your duties at your last station.
After leaving Santa Fe, I discussed the situation in detail with General Groves who also feels that you did an excellent job at that place. I expressed to him your thoughts of not wanting to spend the entire war at Santa Fe and felt that you had taken a beating that any C.O. would have to take down there just about as long as anyone should have to. It was further recommended that the policy of rotation be applied to officer personnel as well as enlisted.
It happened that quite soon after my return from Santa Fe, it was possible to secure an officer who could fill your shoes. As you must know, just any person could not be assigned to that command. Special qualifications were necessary. We were afraid that if we passed up that opportunity, another person adapted to the work would not become available. Give my best to your wife and family and I hope that you have a pleasant leave with them. I have not been informed as to what your new assignment is but hope that it pleases you.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing, and a rusty paperclip impression to the upper left corner.
In September 1944, Kirkpatrick became a special assistant to Manhattan Project director Major General Leslie R. Groves. He was sent to the Pacific island of Tinian as liaison to the Twentieth Air Force, responsible for base development in support of Project Alberta and the 509th Composite Group, and served as alternate to Brigadier General Thomas F. Farrell, Groves’s deputy for operations. The facilities would later serve as the forward operational base for the 509th Composite Group, where the atomic bombs were completed, armed, and prepared for delivery before the missions against Hiroshima and Nagasaki. For his services, he was awarded a second Legion of Merit and the Commendation Ribbon.
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