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CAPT Lendall Knight (Gladys)
to remember
Knight, Lendall Barton, LCDR.
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Contact Info
Home Town Limerick
Last Address Ledgeview Assisted Living 92 US Route 1 Cumberland Foreside, ME 04110
Date of Passing Mar 27, 2016
Location of Interment Oakdale Cemetery - Sanford, Maine
Wall/Plot Coordinates Highland Cemetery - Limerick, Maine
Base, Station or City Pacific Theater of Operations
State/Country Not Specified
Patch
USS O'Bannon (DD-450) Details
USS O'Bannon (DD/DDE-450), a Fletcher-class destroyer, was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon (1784–1850), the Marine Corps's "hero of Derna".
O'Bannon was laid down by Bath Iron Works Corp. in Bath, Maine on 3 March 1941, and launched 19 February 1942, sponsored by Mrs. E. F. Kennedy, descendant of Lieutenant O'Bannon. O'Bannon and her sister ship Nicholas (DD-449) were the first two Fletchers to be launched. O'Bannon was commissioned at Boston on 26 June 1942, Commander Edwin R. Wilkinson in command.
O'Bannon was the US Navy's most decorated destroyer during World War II, earning 17 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation.
Worst Moment Learning of my cousin's death:
Feb 9, 1943 -- USS Ranger operating in Chesepeake Bay. "Having dive bombing, strafing and torpedo attacks (practice). TBF (Avenger) too low, crashed in water. 3 killed (LTJG M. T. Knight, Ashton G. Starke CM2c, and Arthur G. Whitten, Jr. ARM2c.). Another TBF over the side. "
Journal entry of Ernest L Crochet, SM1c, Signalman onboard USS Ranger.
Chain of Command Duties included Assistant 1st Division Officer and Damage Control Officer, Assistant Gunnery Officer, and M.B. Gunnery Officer; employment of the ship included post commissioning trials in the Caribbean, escort operations, task force assignments including engagement with heavy enemy surface units and torpedo bombing planes, anti-submarine warfare and night shore bombardment.
Other Memories
* 26 Jun 1942 - USS O'Bannon (DD450) commissioned in Boston
* Jul / Aug 1942 - Sea trials in Caribbean
* 29 Aug 1942 - sailed from Boston for the Southwest Pacific
* 12-13 Nov 1942 – Engagement with enemy forces at Guadalcanal; “LTJG Knight served in the capacity as 5” battery officer of this vessel [USS O’Bannon].By his coolness under enemy fire and stalwartness of purpose LTJG Knight was an example to the personnel under him and enabled this vessel to carry out fully its mission during a close engagement with heavier enemy units.” (excerpt from official letter from Chief of Naval Personnel for inclusion in his fitness report); Also see uploaded Portland Press Herald article from 14 Nov 2015.