Remembering RADM Thomas R. Kurtz, Jr. USN

Born in San Francisco, California, on July, 10, 1909, Rear Admiral Thomas Richardson Kurtz, Jr., is the son of the late Commodore T. R. Kurtz, USN, and Mrs. (Irene Van Arsale) Kurtz. He attended High School at Annapolis, Maryland, then prepared for the Naval Academy at Severn Preparatory School, Severna Park, Maryland. Entering the Naval Academy on appointment at large in 1927, he was commissioned Ensign on June, 4, 1931. On August 1, 1958 he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral.

After graduation from the Naval Academy he was assigned to the USS CHESTER (CA 27) from July 1931 to May 1933. Next, he served as Communications Officer of the USS DALE (DD 353). He completed the course in Applied Communications at the Naval Postgraduate School in April 1939, then served as Radio Officer of the USS NEVADA (BB 36), operating the Battleship Division ONE of the Battle Force.