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<em>Kern Phillips Pitts</em> was the son of O.P and Lacie Phillips Pitts of Fayetteville, TN. He attended Central High School in Fayetteville, where he played center and guard on the football team. Three years at Tennessee Polytechnic Institute preceded his appointment to USMA. He joined the Class of ’45, that due to the onset of WWII, became the Class of ’44.</p>
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Kern worked on the staffs of the <em>Pointer</em> and <em>Howitzer</em> and played intramural softball, handball, and lacrosse. A classmate wrote in the <em>'44 Howitzer,</em> "Where from, Mister? Tennessee, Suh. A true southern gentleman who never let academics stand in the way of a good bridge game, Kern always was ready for any kind of fun and never too busy to help a classmate in any difficulty. His easy going manner and ability to reason to a logical conclusion spell success in his career."</p>
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On D Day, 6 Jun 1944, Kern pinned on his second lieutenant bars and Infantry crossed rifles. His first assignment was "best man" for his roommate and lifelong friend, Leslie H. Halstead, at his wedding in the Cadet Chapel.</p>
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After attending the shortened Infantry Basic Course at Ft. Benning, he was assigned to the 423rd Infantry Regiment of the 106th Division. As he later put it, "One day after joining the 106th Division, I was on my way to EUCOM. A few days after arriving in EUCOM, I became an unwelcomed and uninvited guest of the Krauts." His regiment was overrun by the Wehrmacht in the Battle of the Bulge, and Pitts and six classmates were captured and held in prisoner of war camps until the end of WWII. He earned a Bronze Star, a Commendation Ribbon, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.</p>
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Returning to the States in June 1945, he volunteered for service in Japan and was assigned as assistant to the G-2 of the 1st Cavalry Division. While in Tokyo, he met and married Virginia "Ginks" Rife. In 1947, he served as a company commander in the Army Officer Candidate Regiment and instructor at the Ground General School at Ft. Riley, KS, where Toni Lynn was born in 1949. From there, he went to the Infantry Advanced Course at Ft. Benning and then on to Ft. Buchanan, Puerto Rico, for three years, where Virginia Diane was born in 1951.</p>
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He served with the 25th Armored Infantry Battalion at Ft. Hood, TX, and then with the Military Assistance and Advisory Group in Taiwan. After a year with the intelligence staff of the 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Lewis, WA., he attended CGSC.</p>
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Three years as an instructor in the Military Art and Engineering Department at West Point proved to be more frustrating than as a cadet, but Kern forged on. In 1962, he spent 12 months in Korea with the First Battle Group, 31st Infantry, 7th Division. Returning to the States in 1963, Kern was assigned to the Pentagon in Force Development, Personnel, and then the Defense Intelligence Agency. "In 1967, we finished our Pentagon sentence and, in 1968, headed for five years of attache duty; three in South Africa followed immediately by two in Pakistan."</p>
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After 30 years of service, one Commendation Medal and two Legion of Merits, Kern spent his last tour at Ft. Eustis, VA, and retired in 1974.</p>
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Kern and Ginks built a home by the golf course on the outer banks of North Carolina in the fledgling community of Southern Shores, where he began a new career and performed civic duties with the same zeal he exercised in the military. He was elected to the town council and became the first elected mayor of Southern Shores for nine consecutive two-year terms. During Kern’s terms, a town hall and police building were constructed, and he found time to volunteer for the fire department, play golf, attend church, and root for the Washington Redskins.</p>
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In 1997, the Kern P. Pitts Center was dedicated as a training center for construction and design professionals who specialize in building storm-proof houses in coastal areas. The town council of Southern Shores regularly meet in the center.</p>
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As one of the present councilmen remarked, "You cannot walk into the town hall or the Pitts Center and not be reminded of what Kern did for Southern Shores. He will be remembered for a long time."</p>
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Kern died on his 80th birthday after a year-long battle with a brain tumor. He is survived by his wife Ginks; daughters, Toni Lynn and Virginia Diane; and four grandchildren.</p>
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Kern’s high standards and natural leadership abilities propelled him in both the Army and different civic duties. He was a good soldier, friend, diplomat, and father; and an outstanding civic leader. His service to his country and his community leaves a legacy to be admired.</p>
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The North Carolina Community Foundation (Harbinger Professional Center, Suite Four, Point Harbor, NC 27964) has established the Southern Shores Community Fund in memory of Kern P. Pitts. The fund provides unrestricted money to support volunteer activities in the community.</p>