Raised in Ardsley, New York, Kilpatrick attended the United States Naval Academy where he was an All-American soccer player. During World War II he served as a fighter pilot in the Pacific and was awarded the Navy Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor and heroism in combat. While serving with Fighting Squadron Ten (VF-10) on , he shot down two Japanese torpedo bombers on January 30, 1943, and was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. As commanding officer of Fighting Squadron Five (VF-5) on , Lieutenant Commander Kilpatrick helped lead damage control and wounded evacuation efforts on March 19, 1945, and was subsequently awarded the Navy Cross."Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0405". United States Pacific Fleet. April 25, 1945. He received a promotion to commander when he retired from active duty in June 1947.
