Kirkland, Randolph W. (Randolph Withers), 1920-

Randolph W. Kirkland, a native of Camden, S.C., graduated from Clemson College with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1941 and took a job with the General Electric Company. During World War II he served in the 3rd Battalion, 511th Parachute Infantry, 11th Airborne Division, in the Pacific Theater, achieving the rank of captain. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action on Luzon (Philippines), the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement at Leyte (Philippines), and other honors. Kirkland retired from General Electric in 1977 and took up historical research of South Carolina Civil War service records. In 1995 he published "Broken Fortunes," which listed South Carolinians killed during the war. His second book, "Dark Hours," listed all "South Carolina soldiers, sailors and citizens held in Federal prisons during the War for Southern Independence."

From the description of Randolph W. Kirkland papers, ca. 1860-1974. (The South Carolina Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 70978336