KNUDSON, AOM 3/C Richard Herman "Dick"

KNUDSON

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 4/22/2013 at 11:48:53

Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
March 11, 1946, Page 11

DICK KNUDSON IS PRESUMED DEAD,
SAYS FORRESTAL

Was Reported Missing In Action
on Marianas on Dec. 20, 1944

Senator and Mrs. Herman M. KNUDSON, 24 15th S. E., have received word from Secretary of the Navy James FORRESTAL stating that their son, Dick KNUDSON, who has been carried on the official records of the navy department as missing in action on Dec. 20, 1944, is persumed to have met his death at that time.

Mr. and Mrs. KNUDSON at present are visitng their other 2 sons, Ted and Bob, at Long Beach, Cal.

"In view of the strong probability that the plane in which your son was flying was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed into the water and the he lost his life as a result therof," read Secretary FORRESTAL'S letter, "because no official nor unconfirmed reports have been received that he survived, because his name has not appeared on any lists or reports of personnel libertaed from Japanese prisoner of war camps, and in view of the length of time that has elapsed since he was reported to be missing in action, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that he is deceased."

The letter further went on to say that the date of death was presumed to have occurred on Dec. 21, 1945, a year after he was reported missing.

The navy's secretary letter explained that the plane on which Dick was aboard was attached to patrol bombing squadron 159 and had departed from West field, Tinian island, the Marianas, on Dec. 20, 1944, to participate in a search reconnaissance and bombing flight.

"during a bombing run on the airstrip on Wolcal island, the Carolinas," wrote FORRESTAL, "the plane crashed into the sea after being hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire over the target. A thorough seach of the area by accompanying planes failed to reveal any trace of your son of the plane. To date no further information has been received by the navy department concerning the fate of your son."

Richard Herman KNUDSON was born at Mason City on July 26, 1921, He attended the Mason City schools and was graduated from high school in 1940 after which he attended junior college one year. In 1941, he enrolled as a student in horticulture at Iowa State college [presnt-day Iowa State University, Ames].

In Aug., 1942, he enlisted in the USNR and received his boot training at Great Lakes. After more training at various points in the state, he was sent overseas in 1944. He served in the Pacific theaters as an aerial gunner. As the time he was reported missing he was serving as navigator on the plane.

Dick was a member of the Congregational church and of the Phi Psi fraternity. He was a nature lover, fond of outdoor sports, especially fishing. On graduation from the 8th grade at Roosevelt school he was given the American Legion award for general interest in school activities. He served as manager of the junior college football team.

His brother Ted, a lieutenant in the navy, recieved his release in January and is now living at Lakewood City, Cal., a suburb of Long Beach. Another brother, Bob, is still in the service with the seabees at San Diego, but expects to be discharged this month.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2013

Cerro Gordo Obituaries maintained by Lynn Diemer-Mathews.
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