Name: Francis Moore McKINNON
Rank / Rating: Y3-Yeoman Third Class
Service #: 892 98 57
DOB: May 08, 1925
From: Charlotte, North Carolina
Parents: William E. and Mattie (Griffin) McKinnon
Went Aboard: June 23, 1945
Age When Ship Went Down: 20 years, 2 months, 22 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Admin
Date Posted:

Yeoman Third Class McKinnon was born May 8, 1925, in Charlotte, North Carolina as the fifth son of William E. and Mattie Griffin McKinnon.

Before entering the Service, he served as the organist for the 1100 member Allen Street Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Frank enlisted in the Navy on Aug. 19, 1943. In the Navy he continued as a pianist and organist for Chapel Services. He was one of four brothers who served in WWII. He was first sent to Jacksonville and DeLand, Florida, where he served until about May 11, 1945, as a Chaplain’s Assistant. His address before boarding USS Indianapolis was First Battalion USNT and DC, Shoemaker, California. He went aboard USS Indianapolis on June 23, 1945. During the Revolutionary War, Frank’s great-grandfather lost his life in the battle of Guilford County Courthouse, near Greensboro, NC. Also, six of his great uncles lost their lives in War Between the States. At the time of his death, Frank was only 20 years old and had not married. Note: When this Bio was submitted for publication in 1997, the family at the time listed their home addresses and phone numbers pleading “if anyone has information about Frank . . . notify us.” Surely a sign of desperation.