McKnight - U.S.S. Idaho - Carpenter Shop - Unknown group of men

(Thanks to Cindy Cole for sending in this great photo!)

08.12.13

Hi Dave,

My brother sent me a copy of an email he sent you regarding the passing of my dad, RDM-2C Eugene J. O'Neill, USN, BB-42.

My father was born on May 28, 1920 and passed away on July 10, 2013. His Home of Record at the time of his enlistment was Jackson Heights/Queens, New York. I believe he enlisted in the Navy Reserve in Sep 1941. He lived in Wantagh Long Island for 60 + years and worked as a salesman for several trucking companies in the metropolitan NY, NJ area. He often spoke of the high regard he had for his shipmates and the hardships they endured. His family was proud of his service to our nation.

I have attached two pictures of him taken during his service in the USN and a copy of my parents wedding picture. They were married in 1944 when the Idaho was in port at Long Beach.

Any of his shipmates who would remember him would have known him as he looked in these pictures. After the war he lost contact with them until the late 1990's when he started attending the reunions.

The Thanksgiving Day Program and Ships Party Invitation I found on ebay. William White (an Idaho crewman) name is on the back. They were in an envelope addressed to David Graham, another member of the crew, the USS Idaho Association and American Battleship Association.

I was not familiar with your website, however after looking at it I salute you. Thank you for all your time, effort and hard work to honor the service and sacrifices of our fathers. I would be pleased if you could publish his pictures on the Idaho website.

Again, thank you for all that you have done. I hope that someday I may have the pleasure of meeting you.

Yours Truly,

Barry G. O'Neill, Master Sgt, USAF, Retired

08.07.13

Good Afternoon.

Just wanted to let you know that my father who served on the UUS Idaho from 1941-45 just passed away. His name was Eugene J. O’Neill and was a RDM-2C. I still have most of his pictures and news articles along with his bayonet, sea bag and uniform. I also have the USS Idaho book that was published I guess during the war. I wonder at this point how many crewmembers are alive today. I would guess less than 50. Anyway. Have a nice day.

Brian O’Neill

"Webster's Practical Illustrated Dictionary with Atlas of the World, including A Digest of Military and Naval Facts."

08.10.13

Dear Sir,

While going through some items that had belonged to an uncle, I found a book. It is titled, "Webster's Practical Illustrated Dictionary with Atlas of the World, including A Digest of Military and Naval Facts."

I am writing you because there is an inscription on the inside reading, "This book belongs to Freddy Miller, Seaman 1/C, USS Idaho. You can use it but don't keep it."

The copywright date is 1943, so it appears that Seaman Miller served onboard the USS Idaho during WWII or later, although I did not see his name on the website's crew list.

I would like the opportunity to mail it to Seaman Miller or his surviving family members, if that is possible. If they can't be identified, I will probably donate it to the Naval Museum at NAS Pensacola. I live near there and make regular visits to the museum.

If you know of a way to locate Seaman Miller, I would appreciate it. I know it's a very common name, but felt it was worth the effort. I am attaching two images to give you an idea of what I am talking about.

Thank you for your time.

Craig Sawyer
Alabama