Rank / Rating: COX-Coxswain
Paul was 18 years old when he registered for the draft on Sept 18, 1942 in Muskegon Co., MI.
He enlisted in the Navy on May 25, 1943 in Kalamazoo, MI. He received basic training at Great Lakes, IL., and advanced to S2c (Seaman 2nd class) on July 24th. He was transferred from Great Lakes on Aug 23rd and on Aug 25th he arrived for general duty at the receiving station at Pleasanton (later known as Shoemaker), CA. He was received aboard USS Indianapolis CA-35 on Sept 1, 1943.
He was advanced to S1c on April 1, 1944. His next advancement was to GM3c (Gunner's Mate 3rd class). Paul was advanced to COX (Coxswain) most likely while Indy was at Mare Island, Vallejo CA, from May until July 1945. No record is available that recorded the exact date, but he is listed on the July 1, 1945, muster roll as a COX.
He participated in eight of the ten major battles for which Indianapolis was awarded Ten Battle Stars.
Later in the war, Paul’s father served in the Merchant Marines. On July 16, 1945, as Indianapolis sailed from Hunter’s Point, passing under the Golden Gate Bridge, on her fatal mission, Paul father’s ship passed Indy as it was coming into port. Upon hearing the news of his son’s death, Paul 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.
Daniel Spencer was a survivor of the sinking. He stated, "Paul was my shipmate and a very dear friend. I want him to know I haven't forgotten him." Daniel submitted a short memorial to be published in the local paper to show his deep respect for his buddy, Paul. It was published in The Grand Rapids Press on the first anniversary of Paul's death:
"In memory of my buddy, Paul Knoll, GM3c; I miss you, Paul - Danny Spencer."
Paul was a former resident of Grand Rapids, MI. Paul's mother stated, "Paul mentioned Danny in almost every letter and they always were together, aboard ship and ashore."
When Indy went down there were not enough life rafts to accommodate all the survivors and lifelines were strung between rafts. Men who could not find space on the rafts remained in the water and clung to the lines.
"Paul was in the water four days and he and others with him had become tired out. But, when on the fourth day a plane dropped another life raft near his line he and a friend, a lad named Campbell, volunteered to swim after it. Paul didn't have the strength. He couldn't make it and was drowned" according to his father's understanding.
Paul, you are not forgotten.
At the time of Paul's death, his mother's name was noted in the Navy records as Mrs. Inez Bowen, 320 Briarwood St, SE, Grand Rapids, MI. Whether Bowen was her maiden name or if she had remarried is not known.
MICHIGAN MEMORIAL PLAQUE
See photographs, below, 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.
