Name: Joseph Ercel KINCAID
Rank / Rating: FC2-Fire Controlman Second Class
Service #: 614 96 57
DOB: Jul 29, 1920
From: Rock Cave, WV
Parents: Bernie LLoyd Kincaid (1892-1982) and Ora May Tolliver Kincaid (1897-1990)
Went Aboard: Mar 20, 1943
Age When Ship Went Down: 25 years, 0 months, 1 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Marilyn Northcutt Henry
Date Posted:

Joseph Ercel Kincaid was born to parents Bernie and Ora May Kincaid on July 20, 1920 in Rock Cave, West Virginia. His brother Charles Thomas Kincaid was born in 1922 lived until 2002. Ercel as he was called registered for the draft on February 16, 1942 listing his father B. L. Kincaid as the person who would always know his address. Ercel entered service on September 7, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio. The U. S. World War II Young American Patriots 1941-1944 book features Joseph Ercel Kincaid from Upshur, West Virginia with a photo and description of his navy career. The bio includes a listing of medals and ribbons awarded for the major battles. A copy of Ercel’s bio from a page of this book is included in PHOTOS below. Ercel boarded USS Indianapolis CA 35 on March 20, 1943 serving only on Indy until it was torpedoed and sunk July 30, 1945. Bernie and Ora May Kincaid would have received two telegrams. The first would inform that Ercel was Missing in Action in the sinking of Indianapolis. The navy asked not to reveal the name of the ship in order not to aid the enemy. The second telegram would end their hope. Ercel would be announced missing with no chance of recovery. Family members would faithfully attend annual USS Indianapolis Survivors Reunion. A photo of family members holding the GOLD STAR FAMILY sign is posted in Photos. David Kincaid participated in VOICES OF THE LOST AT SEA program in 2018 honoring Ercel by reading two letters Ercel sent home and reading two poems. Click on VOICES OF THE LOST AT SEA to view from Time Stamp 11:55 - 15:50. Flags were flown over USS Indianapolis Memorial in Indianapolis, IN by USS Indianapolis Survivor’s Organization honoring the sacrifice of Joseph Ercel Kincaid. The flags were given to David Kincaid and to Kenneth Kincaid. The love for Ercel continues. Karen Sue Kincaid Roseler, daughter of Ercel’s only brother Charles Thomas Kincaid, wrote on Find-A-Grave: “Thank you for being my hero” - Written 77 years after Ercel’s death.