World War II Service and Diary of John R. McKnight - Ex Rd M 3c USN
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| The Essex was sent to San Francisco for repairs. She entered drydock on March 11th and Jack received a fifteen-day leave. On March 12, 1944 he sent a telegram to his sweetheart, Kitty Nash, and left San Francisco by train for Pittsburgh. He wanted to surpise his parents. |
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| He arrived in Pittsburgh at 7 a.m. on March 16th, and was excited to see his girlfriend, Kitty, his family and his friends. The next day was St. Patrick's Day and the McKnights had an extra reason to celebrate. Pittsburgh papers made Jack somewhat of a celebrity when they printed stories of the sailor from a new Essex class carrier. |
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"It was a super-wonderful week for both of us - every minute. From newspaper reporters to boxing matches,
I agree everything was wonderful. At times it seemed as if he was sort of a celebrity. St. Patrick's Day was really celebrated too. Everyone was happy
and his family were on top of the world. I loved every minute of it and I know he did too."
(Catherine Nash McKnight's World War II Journal) |
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| Having been part of the first crew of the new Essex class carrier, Jack was the subject of articles in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and the Pittsburgh Press. |
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(Click on photos to enlarge and headlines for full article.) |
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| Jack left Pittsburgh on March 23rd to return to San Francisco and the U.S.S. Essex. He arrived on March 27, 1944 and sent his mother a telegram. |
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"When he left, well, it was pretty hard. The time went too fast. Last week was just a dream. It's all over now
but not to be forgotten. He looked swell - ruddy, burned and curlier hair, and oh broader shoulders, but he seemed so nervous."
(Catherine Nash McKnight's World War II Journal) |
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| The Essex would not return to the States for over a year and a half. Jack would not see Kitty or his family again until October of 1945. |
