Frank C. Kerr

Frank C. Kerr, 76, of Hull, died Friday at his home. He was born in Seattle, Washington and graduated Phi Gamma Kappa with a degree in journalism from Woodbury College, Los Angeles where he was student body president. Mr. Kerr enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1950 and served as a Marine photographer during the Korean conflict where he was awarded the Bronze Star and formally commended as the “ablest military photographer of the Korean War.” His work has subsequently been published in numerous articles and books on the subject. Following his military discharge as a staff sergeant, Mr. Kerr worked as a news photographer with the Boston Herald-Traveler and later with United Press International. Relocating to California, he was variously employed as a newspaper, radio and television newsman in the Los Angeles area. In the early 1960’s he became public relations manager for the General Dynamics Corporation in San Diego where he wrote the Academy Award nominated documentary film “Friendship Seven” chronicling John Glenn’s 1962 space flight. In later years he would write documentaries for numerous clients including the United States Information Agency, the U.S. Treasury and National Maritime Council. In 1966, Mr. Kerr was transferred from his public relations post at General Dynamics headquarters in New York City to the newly acquired Fore River Quincy Shipyard. He served as public relations manager in Quincy for several years before assuming the same position at the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine. Mr. Kerr was founding president of the Hull Medical Center, a past president of the Pt. Allerton Association in Hull and co-founder of “Chosin Few”, a military organization formed to reunite Korean War veterans who fought at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, one of the most savage engagements in Marine Corps history. In 1985, as president of The Chosin Few, Mr. Kerr’s meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Kim Yong Nam became the catalyst for dialogue between the U.S. and North Korean governments on repatriating the bodies of American servicemen killed north of the DMZ during the Korean conflict. Mr. Kerr was also involved in the successful lobby effort to have American veterans disabled by cold war injury (frostbite) compensated by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Beloved husband of Theresa (Sosnowski) Kerr of Hull. Loving father of Frank Kerr of Norwell, CAPT Brian Kerr, USN, Jeff Kerr, and Dana Albert, all of Hull. Brother of John Kerr of Yakima, WA, Barbara Britton of Seattle, WA, Carol Draper of Ellensburg, WA, Linda Hoskinson of Raymond, WA, and Steve Kirkendall of Richland, WA. Also lovingly survived by 7 grandchildren: Brandon, Charissa, Justin, Kayce, Jarret, Shauna & Luke. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral Mass in Saint Ann’s Church, Hull Tuesday at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 North Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, VA, 22203-1977.