Name: Vernon Lee RHODES
Rank / Rating: F1-Fireman First Class
Service #: 952 98 65
DOB: Aug 14, 1919
From: Detroit, MI
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Rhodes
Went Aboard: Dec 30, 1944
Age When Ship Went Down: 25 years, 11 months, 16 days
Spouse: Margaret Rhodes
Children: Daughters Judith (3 yrs old) and Rita (6 mos old)
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Carl Fahnestock (Admin)
Date Posted:

Fireman First Class Vernon Lee Rhodes was born to parents Mr. and Mrs. Philip E Rhodes on August 14, 1919. He and his wife, Margaret had two daughters: three year old Judith and six month old Rita. Vernon graduated from St. Benedict’s High School and Ford Trade School. Vernon was onboard USS Indianapolis CA-35 on March 31, 1945 in Okinawa. It was on that date that he witnessed a Japanese Kamikaze attack that killed nine (9) of his shipmates and injured dozens more. Click at the end of the Bio Text below to access and view detailed information in an article about the Kamikaze Attack. Vernon had served in the United States Navy for 14 months at the time of his death as a result of the sinking of USS Indianapolis CA-35 on July 30, 1945. Vernon had a brother (Philip Rhodes, Jr.) who simultaneously was serving in France and Germany under General George Patton. Philip, Jr. was later deployed to the Pacific Theater after a 30 day furlough home. 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. Vernon Lee Rhodes’ 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. Click or tap here to learn more about the kamikaze attack and to access links to each of the nine individual bios of the kamikaze victims.