(Editor's Note: This and subsequent articles are monthly features reflecting on the namesakes of memorialized facilities at Fort Knox.)
Building 1002, located on 1st Cavalry Regiment Road in front of Brooks Parade Field, is home to U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox headquarters. The facility is memorialized after 1st Lt. Kenneth Shoemaker Jr.
Shoemaker, who had roots in Owensboro, Kentucky and was active in the church, was a part of the Army Nurse Corps. He was on temporary duty at 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku, Vietnam, Nov. 20-30, 1967, where he was part of a surgical team caring for a large number of acute casualties. Upon his return to 67th Evacuation Hospital in Qui Nhon, Vietnam, Nov. 30, the aircraft he was traveling in crashed, killing all aboard.
Shoemaker's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device (1960), and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation Badge.
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