WWII Roll of Honour,
HistoryNT,
Second World War, 1939-1945,
Date
0000-00-00,
Place of birth
Tennessee (USA),
Place of enlistment
Nashville, Tennessee (USA),
Date of enlistment
1939-07-11,
Nation of service
United States of America,
Service
United States Navy,
Unit
USS William B Preston (DD-344)(AVP-20)(AVD-7),
Rank
Seaman 1st Class Knight,
Service number
295-46-33,
Next of kin
James M. Knight - Father,
Date of death
1942-02-19,
Place of death
USS William B Preston (DD-344)(AVP-20)(AVD-7),
Place of burial
Sea,
Memorial
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial,
Cultural heritage
American,
Honours and awards
Purple Heart,
Biographical notes
William Knight was the son of James M. Knight. Knight was buried at sea.,
History
Enlisted on 11 July 1939 in Nashville, Tennessee. Seaman 1st Class Knight (295-46-33) transferred to the Preston on 5 August 1940 from the USS Fox.
USS William B. Preston was anchored in Darwin Harbour tending PBY Catalinas when the Japanese attack began on 19 February 1942. She quickly got underway, zigzagging through the crowded Harbour. Four bombs exploded off William B. Preston's bow, breaking bridge windows. She was then hit near the deckhouse, losing control of her steering and jamming the rudder. The aft living compartment was seriously damaged; the deck house was strafed and her machine guns were out of action. Fourteen men were killed, including two missing and three were wounded.,
Language
English,
Subject
Second World War, 1939-1945,
Bombing of Darwin,
Roll of Honour,
Northern Territory history,
USS Preston,