Jimmy Kimmel is a popular comedian, television host, and producer who has been entertaining audiences with his late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003. He is also known for hosting the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Academy Awards. But is he related to Admiral Kimmel, the naval officer who was in charge of the Pacific Fleet during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941? The answer may surprise you.
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Who Was Admiral Kimmel?
Admiral Husband E. Kimmel was born in Kentucky in 1882 and was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in 1904. For almost four decades afterward, this man would serve with competence and distinction as an officer in the United States Navy
He rose through the ranks and held various commands, including battleships, cruisers, and divisions. He also served as an aide to Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt and as a gunnery officer in the British Grand Fleet during World War I
In February 1941, he was appointed as the Commander in Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), with the rank of four-star admiral. He was responsible for defending the vast area of the Pacific Ocean from potential enemy threats, especially from Japan, which was expanding its empire in Asia1
What Happened on December 7, 1941?
On December 7, 1941, a date that would live in infamy, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where most of the Pacific Fleet was based. The attack was devastating, killing more than 2,400 Americans and destroying or damaging hundreds of ships and planes
Admiral Kimmel was at his headquarters when the attack began and immediately took action to coordinate the defense and counterattack. He also sent urgent messages to Washington, requesting reinforcements and air support. However, he was unaware that Japan had also attacked other targets in the Pacific, such as the Philippines, Guam, Wake Island, and Midway Island
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a major shock to the American public and government, who had not expected such a bold and aggressive move from Japan. Many questions were raised about how and why the attack happened and who was responsible for the failure to prevent or detect it
How Was Admiral Kimmel Treated After the Attack?
In the aftermath of the attack, Admiral Kimmel became one of the scapegoats for the disaster. He was accused of being negligent, incompetent, and unprepared for his duty. He was relieved of his command on December 17, 1941, and reverted to his permanent rank of rear admiral (two stars). He retired from the Navy in early 1942
Several investigations were conducted by Congress and the military to determine the causes and responsibilities of Pearl Harbor. Most of them blamed Admiral Kimmel and his Army counterpart General Walter Short for failing to take adequate measures to protect their forces from a possible Japanese attack. They were also criticized for not sharing vital intelligence information with each other and for not following Washington’s directives and warnings
However, some of these investigations were biased, incomplete, or secretive. They did not take into account that Admiral Kimmel and General Short were not given all the relevant information that Washington had about Japan’s intentions and movements. They also did not consider that Pearl Harbor was not adequately equipped or fortified to withstand such an attack. Moreover, they did not acknowledge that Admiral Kimmel had performed well under difficult circumstances and had tried his best to defend his fleet and save lives
What Happened to Admiral Kimmel Later?
Admiral Kimmel spent the rest of his life trying to clear his name and restore his reputation. He wrote a book titled Admiral Kimmel’s Story in 1955, in which he defended his actions and exposed the flaws and injustices of the investigations. He also testified before Congress several times and appealed to various presidents to reinstate his rank of four-star admiral
He died in 1968 at the age of 86, without achieving his goal. His family continued his fight for justice and honor after his death. They argued that Admiral Kimmel was a victim of political scapegoating and cover-up by Washington officials who wanted to avoid accountability for their own mistakes and failures. They also claimed that Admiral Kimmel was a patriot who served his country with courage and integrity and deserved recognition for his service and sacrifice
In 1999, the United States Senate passed a resolution that recommended restoring Admiral Kimmel’s rank to four-star admiral and exonerating him from any blame for Pearl Harbor. However, the resolution was not binding and did not receive any action from President Clinton or any of his successors
So, Is Jimmy Kimmel Related to Admiral Kimmel?
The answer is no. Jimmy Kimmel and Admiral Kimmel are not related by blood or by marriage. They share a common surname, but their ancestry and origins are different
Jimmy Kimmel’s family name was originally Kümmel, which means caraway in German. His paternal great-great-grandparents were German immigrants who came to America in the 19th century. His mother’s family is of Italian descent from the island of Ischia near Naples. He also has some Albanian ancestry from his father’s side
Admiral Kimmel’s family name was also derived from Kümmel, but his paternal ancestors were from Alsace-Lorraine, a region that was disputed between France and Germany for centuries. His maternal ancestors were from Kentucky and Virginia and had English and Scottish roots. He also had some distant relatives who fought in the American Civil War on both sides
Therefore, Jimmy Kimmel and Admiral Kimmel are not related, at least not closely enough to be considered as family. They are two distinct individuals who have different backgrounds, careers, and legacies.
Conclusion
Jimmy Kimmel is a famous comedian and television host who has no relation to Admiral Kimmel, the naval officer who was in charge of the Pacific Fleet during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Admiral Kimmel was a scapegoat for the disaster and spent his life trying to clear his name and restore his honor. Both men share a common surname, but their ancestry and origins are different.
