RIP Joe Kerwin

Longtime Chapter IX member Command Sergeant Major (retired) Joseph R. Kerwin passed away on March 6th.

Born in Pharr, Texas in 1928, Joe accrued over 30 years of military service, initially joining the Navy at age 17 in 1944.  After World War II he returned home to McAllen Texas then joined the Army, as an Infantryman in 1952 during the Korean War.  He subsequently served with the 325th ABN Inf. Regt. 82nd Airborne Division (US); 503rd ABN Regt, 11th Airborne Division (US and Europe 1954-59); HQ 18th Airborne Corps (US); and, 5th Regimental Combat Team (INF) (Korea). 

He became a Green Beret in 1960 with Special Forces assignments including 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) (1961); 8th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Latin America 1962-66); 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) (Vietnam 1966-67); and, MACSOG (Special Operations Group) (Vietnam) 1971-72.  Joe retired with over 500 jumps.

Joe earned a Master of Arts Degree with Webster University, Saint Louis, Missouri, worked for the US Government and local law enforcement for a combined 11 years and became a Licensed Private Investigator for 5 years.  Noteable, Joe served as a counselor for Vietnam Veterans.  

His Awards and Decorations include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal w/ “V” device for Valor, Bronze Star, Air Medal w/ “V” Device for Valor, ARCOM w/ “V” Device for Valor, Purple Heart, Vietnamese Medal of Honor, Two Vietnamese Gallantry Crosses, Joint Service Commendation Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Civic Action Medal 1st Class, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Three US Presidential Citations, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnamese Presidential Unit Citation, Master Parachutist Badge, National Defense Service Medal w/olc, Korean service medal, Good conduct Medal 9th awd, as well as Parachutist badges from Ecuador, Venezuela and Vietnam.

JCSM (ret) Joe Kerwin was preceded in death by his loving wife and devoted wife Maria and parents Joseph and Isabel Kerwin.  He is survived by his daughter Leticia Sanders (Danny), sons Joseph R. Kerwin, Jr., and Jesse Kerwin (Iris).  Not to mention six grandchildren and many great grandchildren.   

Viewing will be at Sunset Funeral Home on Tuesday March 14th from 0930-1100 Thurs then burial with Full Military Honors, following the viewing, at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.  

Please see the on-line obituary and memorial page.