S2C Joseph Kirst. USCGC Argo. (Personalized denim deck jacket)

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My grandfather, Seaman Second Class Joseph Kirst, served aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Argo during the last few months of World War II, while he was on board the Argo was assigned to sea search and rescue patrols off Maine. He lied about his age and enlisted at the age of 17, knowing the war was almost over, he didn’t want to miss out. Two months before his assignment to the ship, the Argo was involved in the surrender of U Boats 805, 234, and 873. These 3 U Boats were among those patrolling off the east coast when Germany surrendered in May ‘45. Joe’s time with the  Coast Guard ended in 1947 and he left the service, returning to his hometown of Fort Thomas Kentucky. He married and had the first of 6 kids. When the Korean War broke out he enlisted in the army, serving with the Third Armored Division and the Second Army at Fort Knox as a clerk and typist. He retired from the Army at the end of the war, finished school and started working as a carpenter. He got heavily involved with The Boy Scouts, maintaining a troop for several years. Joe worked at and managed a hardware store until his death in 2013.

 

I have slowly been acquiring all the things the family still has from his time in the service and I believe this is all that still exists aside from a couple small insignia and paperwork. My cousin does have his M1 helmet he was issued, but is unwilling to part with it. (Front seam fixed bail, no liner or chinstraps). This grouping covers his entire military career, from the Coast Guard to Fort Knox. The crown jewel of the collection is his personalized denim jacket that he painted Buggs Bunny on and his nickname “Super Rabbit”. He raised and sold rabbits before enlisting and was always fond of them. His name and number are stenciled on the front, back, and inside of the jacket. The rest of the Coast Guard stuff includes his winter and summer hats, shore passes, and ID card. He did bring home some souvenirs from the Argo including a large Danger warning flag, a signal mirror, and a brass number plaque he “removed” from the ship. I have both of his dog tags from the Coast Guard and the Army. All the army stuff I have are a couple small momentos from boot camp and some patches. He didn’t stay in very long during his second enlistment.
I am very proud to be the caretaker of the momentos of his service. I wish I could get his whole story, but like many other vets he really didn’t talk about his time in. Thanks for reading, if you have any questions or want more pictures let me know.          -Zach