Project 888
Name: Paul Edward KNOLL
Rank / Rating: COX-CoxswainService #: 861 27 59 DOB: Oct 25, 1924 From: Grand Rapids, Michigan Parents: Nicholas Claude Knoll and Inez Bowen Knoll Went Aboard: Sep 08, 1943 Age When Ship Went Down: 20 years, 9 months, 5 days Spouse: Children: Grandchildren: Bio Submitted By: Admin |
 KNOLL, Paul E |
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Coxswain Paul Edward Knoll was born October 25, 1924, as the son of Nicholas Claude Knoll and Inez Bowen, and the only sibling to his sister Betty May, two years younger. He was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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| Paul boarded Indianapolis September 8, 1943. He participated in eight of the ten major battles for which Indianapolis was awarded Ten Battle Stars. Paul’s father was also serving in the US Navy at the time. As Indianapolis sailed on July 16, 1945, from Hunter’s Point passing under the Golden Gate Bridge on its fatal mission, Paul Knoll’s father’s ship passed Indy as it was coming into port. Paul’s father upon hearing the news of his son’s death reflected: I missed seeing my son one last time. When Indianapolis was sunk on July 30, 1945, Paul made it off the ship and survived four days in the water. Rescue came too late for Paul. He was 21 years old. MICHIGAN MEMORIAL PLAQUE See photographs (posted below) to view a copy of a memorial plaque that was dedicated circa 1946 to honor seventy-two (72) State of Michigan men who served on USS Indianapolis CA-35 and who were Lost At Sea. Paul Edward Knoll's name is listed on the plaque! Per the caption on one of the photos, the plaque was originally planned in 1946 for display at a proposed Detroit Civic Center. The plaque was initially displayed at the Detroit Naval Post VFW #233. However, the plaque had vanished for decades, fueling rumors of theft, being melted for scrap, or hidden away in a private basement. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Jeff Ortiz (nephew of LAS Y3 Orlando Ortiz) and Joni Deaver (cousin of LAS sailor S2c Charles Roof Jr.), this priceless piece of history has been re-discovered in the Detroit Historical Society storage basement in Michigan. One of the photos shows Jeff Ortiz and Ralph McNabb (nephew of LAS F2 Thomas McNabb, Jr) standing behind the very dusty plaque as it was found. | |
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