Kenneth Molloy

Kenneth Dennis Molloy (August 2, 1919 – March 9, 1999) was a judge on the New York State Supreme Court.

Molloy is known for his role in the cultivation of Jim Brown's legendary athletic talent. When the coaching staffs at Syracuse University did not offer a scholarship to Brown, Molloy amassed enough money to pay for Brown's first year and obtained a promise from the school that if Brown was as talented as said to be, he would be put on scholarship.

Life

Molloy was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended high school at Manual Training High School where he played lacrosse, basketball, baseball and swimming. He also worked on the school newspaper, was class president and a member of the student government. Molloy was also a member of the Mu Chapter of the Omega Gamma Delta fraternity and became acquainted with Manhasset through both the fraternity (which had a chapter in Manhasset) and through lacrosse which was then the only school on Long Island to have a team.

From Brooklyn he went upstate to Syracuse University, where he played lacrosse and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He became a two-time All-American in lacrosse. Following his time in the Navy, he returned to Syracuse for law school and doubled as the Syracuse Varsity Lacrosse coach. Molloy passed the New York Bar Exam while still a law student and the Bar Association responded by precluding students from taking the exam in future.

He came to Manhasset after law school and became deeply involved in the local lacrosse program and expanding the lacrosse programs at Long Island schools. Over his nearly 50 years in Manhasset, his community involvement led to his being dubbed "Mr. Manhasset." During the 1960s he was an unsuccessful Republican nominee for Congress. The lacrosse field in Manhasset and an annual Lacrosse Invitational are named in his honor.

He died in March 1999. A formal memorial service at the Supreme Court Building in Mineola attracted participation by a record number of current and former justices. His son, Kenneth Molloy, and grandson, Kenneth Thomas Molloy, are named after him.

World War II

On March 29, 1943, Ens. Molloy was assigned to Squadron 21 and told to report to Commander Motor Torpedo Squadron Twenty-One, Navy Yard, New York for outfitting. He then served as a PT boat commander in the Pacific in World War II where he was awarded a Silver Star.[1] At the time of the award he was a Lieutenant (jg.)

Following his tour as a PT boat commander, Molloy was recruited by the O.S.S. to head a close to suicide mission in connection with the projected invasion of Japan. There are large tunnels connecting the Japanese southern islands with the main island and a small fleet of junks was to be filled with high explosives and sunk over the tunnels to destroy them prior to the actual invasion, making the movement of troops difficult. A single junk was designated to attempt rescue of the crews. Ken and his associates were on their way back to the Pacific from training in the United States when the atom bombs were dropped, obviating the need for more desperate measures. Molloy had sufficiently impressed the head of the O.S.S., General William Donovan, that he later offered Molloy a place in his law firm on graduation from law school.

Awards

Kenneth Molloy was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his service in World War II. His citation reads as follows:

AWARD OF SILVER STAR MEDAL By virtue of the power delegated to me, I take pleasure in awarding in the name of the President of the United States, the Silver Star Medal to: LIEUTENANT (JG) KENNETH D. MOLLOY, U.S. NAVAL RESERVE CITATION For distinguishing himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. On 17 August 1944, as Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat 326, he was conducting a patrol against Japanese barges on the west shore of Geelvink Bay. On the previous night another PT patrol had sighted and attacked approximately twelve enemy barges on the beach on the southeastern coast of Mansiman Island, off Manokwari, New Guinea. Under orders to make a close reconnaissance of these barges, and to destroy any that remained serviceable, he approached the position in broad daylight to within twenty yards of the beach. He first made one run at a very slow speed to appraise the number and condition of the enemy craft. He then reversed his course and thoroughly strafed the entire row of barges. At this time heavy calibre enemy batteries at Manokwari opened up, as well as machine gun positions on Mansiman. Despite this, he courageously and aggressively made a second run in the face of the fire to within fifty yards of the barges and beach. It has been definitely established that three of the craft were sunk, and all the remaining barges were damaged beyone repair. His skill and calmness were outstanding. His leadership was an inspiration to his men. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

−T.C. KINCAID Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy, Commander Seventh Fleet. Classified Citation

References
  1. "PTBoats.org - Silver Star". Retrieved December 31, 2009.
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