Ira C. Kepford, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death
TweetIra C. Kepford
Date of Birth: 29-May-1919
Place of Birth: Harvey, Illinois, United States
Date of Death: 19-Jan-1987
Profession: United States Naval Aviator
Zodiac Sign: Gemini 
About Ira C. Kepford
- Ira Cassius Kepford (May 29, 1919 – January 19, 1987) was an American flying ace of World War II who served with a land-based unit of the United States Navy.
- In 76 days of combat flying with the VF-17 "Jolly Rogers," he was credited with shooting down 16 enemy aircraft.
- At the close of his combat service in April 1944, Kepford was the Navy's leading ace.
- Kepford first made headlines in local papers as a promising high school football player.
- He went on to become a starting halfback for Northwestern University before signing up as a Navy reservist in anticipation of World War II.
- Kepford ultimately attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander before his discharge from the Navy and his entrance into the private sector.
- He worked his way up from trainee at a Liggett Drug Company store to President of the company, retiring in 1960.
- Kepford died in 1987, aged 67.
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