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General Note

Accompanying note: "Left to right: The General (the film '12 o'clock High' was made about him), the Florida Commander, National Commander of American Legion James F. O'Neil, and Colonel Kirkman."

Biographical Note

H. Neil Kirkman, Director of the Department of Public Safety of the State of Florida, was a native of North Carolina. He moved to Florida in 1912 and maintained a permanent residence in Putnam County since 1916. He was engaged in the construction business for many years, particularly in the building of bridges.

Colonel Kirkman's first military service was in 1917 when he entered the Army as a private. He was discharged at the end of World War I as a first lieutenant. During World War II, he served in Europe constructing bomber stations, fortresses, and warehouses. He served overseas during both wars for a total of some 38 months. He was decorated with the Legion of Merit for his service in World War II.

Colonel Kirkman was head of the State Road Department Patrol under Governor Sholtz in 1936 and helped organize and train the Florida Highway Patrol in 1939 after its creation by the State Legislature. In late 1945 after his release from military service, he rejoined the Patrol as Director of the Department of Public Safety.