William J. Knapp, Jr.
Captain, United States Marine Corps
Service # 0-010933, VMSB-141
Entered the Service from: New York
Died: 13 November 1942, Lost in storm, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Officially Declared Dead: 19 February 1945
Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart
Son of William Jared Knapp (1884-1947) & Carrie Louise Allen (1887-1967).
WILLIAM JARED KNAPP, JR. of the Class of 1937. Bill Knapp left Millbrook School after two years and graduated from another school.
William Jared Knapp, Jr. - Yale University, BA 1941
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: 31 Dec 1941 - William J. Knapp, U.S. Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. He had enlisted on 12 August 1941 in New York, New York
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Jul 1942 - Second Lieutenant, William J Knapp
VMSB-141, MAG-14, FMAW, FMF. C/O Postmaster, San Francisco,
California. Tactical School under Instn.
2nd Lt., William J. Knapp, Jr. (VMSB-141), Marine Aircraft Group 14, arrived on 30 September 1942 at Henderson Airfield, Lunga Point, Guadalcanal. His squadron (VMF-141) flew the US Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber.
MARINE SCOUT BOMBING SQUADRON 141 (VMSB-141) - Marine Fighting Squadron 141 (VMF-141) was a reserve fighter squadron in the United States Marine Corps. The squadron fought most notably as part of the Cactus Air Force during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Oct 1942 - Second Lieutenant, William J Knapp
Marine Scout Bombing Squadron One Forty-One, Marine Aircraft Group Fourteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing.
"Long after dark, close to midnight on the night of October 13, 1942, the Japanese navy positioned two battleships, Kongo and Haruna, within range of the air base, and, after their aircraft had dropped high-intensity flares to mark the target, the two ships' sixteen guns began zeroing in on Henderson Field. They soon found the range, and, for more than an hour the huge guns propelled a total of more than 900 fourteen-inch shells, some high-explosive and some armor-piercing, into the area of the airfield. The unimaginable terror this great bombardment caused to the men in their foxholes was matched by the actual destruction. Samuel Griffith in The Battle for Guadalcanal stated simply: "Few bombardments of World War II equaled this in the amount of large calibre ammunition fired in a few minutes more than an hour on so small a target."
The tangible devastation caused by this unprecedented attack was all too easily measured: of 39 operational SBDs, 34 were destroyed or knocked out of commission; 16 of 40 Wildcat fighters were destroyed, and the 24 others were damaged. In human terms, there were 60 casualties, of whom 41 were killed. Most pertinent to the story of Joseph Sailer was the terrible loss sustained by one squadron of dive-bombers. VMSB-141, which had arrived bit by bit on Guadalcanal from late September up to the very day of the shelling, lost five officers, including its squadron commander, executive officer, and flight officer, in this one deadly night on the ground. This squadron, barely arrived on the scene, was eviscerated before it had much of a chance to become oriented and effective. Eventually, of forty-one pilots that arrived for combat, the squadron lost eighteen killed or missing in action, and another nine to injuries or illness." Source: Dauntless Marine: Joseph Sailer, Jr., Dive-Bombing Ace of Guadalcanal by Alexander S. White.
*******************************************************************************
HEADQUARTERS, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP FOURTEEN, FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE
Record of events, Marine Aircraft Group 14, Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 16, 1942
"Marine Aircraft Group 14 began operations at Cactus on October 16, 1942. The mission assigned was to operate the scout bombers and torpedo aircraft available at Cactus.
Among Missions undertaken were reconnaissance and artillery spotting, flights in conjunction with our ground forces, anti-submarine patrols, escort work for surface vessels and area searches....These searches were flown in accordance with a regular schedule....required two SBD's for each search. The purpose of these flights were three fold: First and most important of these being to report movements of any enemy shipping observed, secondly to report any coastal activities of the enemy observed through the islands and thirdly to pass along aerological data on area flown over. These searches were long, hazardous and often carried out despite seemingly impossible flying conditions, and the SBD pilots deserve tremendous credit for the courageous manner in which they carried out this assignment."
William J. Knapp was flying an SBD-3, No. 06571 along with his gunner, S/Sgt. Leighton M. Manning.
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) October 27, 1942
"0915-1045 Striking force against AA positions at Kohumbona Beach (coordinates 6511-202,11 on map #104). Force composed of 9 SBD's, 2 P-400's, and 3 P-39's. There appeared to be eight AA positions grouped in the area and in size from 20 MM to 3". 9-1000# bombs and 5-100# bombs were dropped in the area which was also strafed by 5 Army planes. Effect of action on enemy unknown but thought to be considerable with three positions knocked out. The personnel taking part in the attack were as follows: 9 SBD's (VMSB-141)...2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, S. Sgt. L. F. Manning..."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) October 29, 1942
"...At 2325, thereafter in a nearly continuous chain till daylight SBD's in pairs went out to attack these ships (2 enemy DD's heading for Kohumbona Beach) The flyers were:...2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, VMSB-141 S. Sgt. L. F. Manning..."
HEADQUARTERS, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP FOURTEEN, FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE
Record of events, Marine Aircraft Group 14, Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 16, 1942
"On Oct. 29th, a report came in about noon from Coast Watchers that a force of three DDs was proceeding down the channel between New Georgia and Santa Isabel towards Guadalcanal....However, at 2200, by moonlight, Lt. Zalewski, VS-71, located them approaching Kokumbona Beach. The ships on being discovered reversed their course and thereafter SBD's were dispatched at 15 minute intervals to bomb and strafe the DDs until they were beyond the Russells. Although no hits were made on the DD's (3 near misses), this was a completely successful night operation as the enemy was prevented from accomplishing its mission of landing reinforcements."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) November 1, 1942
"....ten missions were sent out form time to time to strafe and bomb designated areas and reported enemy gun positions West of Pt. Cruz, in support of advancing ground troops....Pilots were:....2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, VMSB-141, S. Sgt. L. F. Manning (up three times)..."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) November 3, 1942
"About 1530 it was reported that the Japs had affected a landing of troops and artillery about 1000 yards East of Koli Point during the previous night. 15 SBD's; 4 P-38's; 2 P-400's; 1 TBF; and 7 F4F's were sent to bomb and strafe the area. They dropped a total of 76 100-pound and 20 500-pound bombs and on 325-pound depth charge in the area, and received considerable small arms AA fire. All returned safely. The fliers were:....2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, VMSB-141, S. Sgt. L. M. Manning ..."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) November 6, 1942
C SECTOR SEARCH - 1325 - 1710
Second Lieutenant William J. Knapp; T. Sgt. Leighton M. Manning, VMSB-141
Results: Negative. Bad weather front at Choiseul Island. Otherwise good weather. Went out 250 miles.
*******************************************************************************
Captain, William J. Knapp, Jr. was lost in bad weather on 13 November 1942 while on a mission against the Japanese battleship Hiei and her consort of destroyers. About 1745 on the 13th a group of eight SBDs (four 132, four 141) from CACTUS took off for the Hiei. William J. Knapp was flying SBD-3 06571. "Two Dauntlesses had to turn back...the weather so socked in the skies over Savo that it was difficult to find the target...heavy dark clouds, squalls and fog obscured the skies.... horrible weather.....The same type of weather that finished Wakasugi [Ikuzo Wakasugi, Japanese Zero pilot] also killed the two VMSB-141 crews of second lieutenants, William J. Knapp, Jr., and Amedeo Sandretto." Source: The Death of the Hiei [Japanese battleship] Page 483
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HEADQUARTERS, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP FOURTEEN, FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE
Record of events, Marine Aircraft Group 14, Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 16, 1942
"In the final attack before dark, Major Sailer lead three pilots from VMSB-132 and four from VMSB-141. He was the only one to make contact due to extremely bad weather and making his dive alone got a direct hit or a very near miss on the CL. Lt. Sandretto and Lt. Knapp failed to return from this mission and are still missing."
*******************************************************************************
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Oct 1943 - Second Lieutenant, William J. Knapp
Missing Persons Detachment, HQ U.S. Marine Corps - To be continued in a Missing In Action status for more than a year authority report from the Casualty Division.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Jul 1944 - Prisoners Of War And Missing Persons Detachment, Hq, U S Marine Corps; Second Lieutenant, William J. Knapp, Jr, (AVN) "Missing in Action". He was taken off the "missing in action" list and officially declared dead on 19 February 1945.
SYNOPSIS: William G. Knapp (MCSN: 0-37827), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in actions against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. General Orders: Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 - 1955 (Jane Blakeney)
William J. Knapp, United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Air Medal "For Meritorious achievement while attached to a Marine Aircraft Group during aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, November 7 and 13, 1942".
U.S., Navy Casualties Books, California Dead - KNAPP William J., Jr., 2nd Lieutenant, USMCR. Wife Mrs. William J. Knapp, Jr., 30 Miramar Ave, Santa Barbara.
Yale University - William Jared Knapp, Jr., Memorial (1947). Mr. and Mrs. William J. Knapp in memory of their son, William J. Knapp, Jr., BA 1941, For a Senior
He also has a cenotaph in Bolton Cemetery, Bolton, Warren County, New York:
William Jared Knapp Jr
Capt USSM Guadalcanal
1919-1942
Captain, United States Marine Corps
Service # 0-010933, VMSB-141
Entered the Service from: New York
Died: 13 November 1942, Lost in storm, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Officially Declared Dead: 19 February 1945
Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart
Son of William Jared Knapp (1884-1947) & Carrie Louise Allen (1887-1967).
WILLIAM JARED KNAPP, JR. of the Class of 1937. Bill Knapp left Millbrook School after two years and graduated from another school.
William Jared Knapp, Jr. - Yale University, BA 1941
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: 31 Dec 1941 - William J. Knapp, U.S. Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. He had enlisted on 12 August 1941 in New York, New York
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Jul 1942 - Second Lieutenant, William J Knapp
VMSB-141, MAG-14, FMAW, FMF. C/O Postmaster, San Francisco,
California. Tactical School under Instn.
2nd Lt., William J. Knapp, Jr. (VMSB-141), Marine Aircraft Group 14, arrived on 30 September 1942 at Henderson Airfield, Lunga Point, Guadalcanal. His squadron (VMF-141) flew the US Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber.
MARINE SCOUT BOMBING SQUADRON 141 (VMSB-141) - Marine Fighting Squadron 141 (VMF-141) was a reserve fighter squadron in the United States Marine Corps. The squadron fought most notably as part of the Cactus Air Force during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Oct 1942 - Second Lieutenant, William J Knapp
Marine Scout Bombing Squadron One Forty-One, Marine Aircraft Group Fourteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing.
"Long after dark, close to midnight on the night of October 13, 1942, the Japanese navy positioned two battleships, Kongo and Haruna, within range of the air base, and, after their aircraft had dropped high-intensity flares to mark the target, the two ships' sixteen guns began zeroing in on Henderson Field. They soon found the range, and, for more than an hour the huge guns propelled a total of more than 900 fourteen-inch shells, some high-explosive and some armor-piercing, into the area of the airfield. The unimaginable terror this great bombardment caused to the men in their foxholes was matched by the actual destruction. Samuel Griffith in The Battle for Guadalcanal stated simply: "Few bombardments of World War II equaled this in the amount of large calibre ammunition fired in a few minutes more than an hour on so small a target."
The tangible devastation caused by this unprecedented attack was all too easily measured: of 39 operational SBDs, 34 were destroyed or knocked out of commission; 16 of 40 Wildcat fighters were destroyed, and the 24 others were damaged. In human terms, there were 60 casualties, of whom 41 were killed. Most pertinent to the story of Joseph Sailer was the terrible loss sustained by one squadron of dive-bombers. VMSB-141, which had arrived bit by bit on Guadalcanal from late September up to the very day of the shelling, lost five officers, including its squadron commander, executive officer, and flight officer, in this one deadly night on the ground. This squadron, barely arrived on the scene, was eviscerated before it had much of a chance to become oriented and effective. Eventually, of forty-one pilots that arrived for combat, the squadron lost eighteen killed or missing in action, and another nine to injuries or illness." Source: Dauntless Marine: Joseph Sailer, Jr., Dive-Bombing Ace of Guadalcanal by Alexander S. White.
*******************************************************************************
HEADQUARTERS, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP FOURTEEN, FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE
Record of events, Marine Aircraft Group 14, Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 16, 1942
"Marine Aircraft Group 14 began operations at Cactus on October 16, 1942. The mission assigned was to operate the scout bombers and torpedo aircraft available at Cactus.
Among Missions undertaken were reconnaissance and artillery spotting, flights in conjunction with our ground forces, anti-submarine patrols, escort work for surface vessels and area searches....These searches were flown in accordance with a regular schedule....required two SBD's for each search. The purpose of these flights were three fold: First and most important of these being to report movements of any enemy shipping observed, secondly to report any coastal activities of the enemy observed through the islands and thirdly to pass along aerological data on area flown over. These searches were long, hazardous and often carried out despite seemingly impossible flying conditions, and the SBD pilots deserve tremendous credit for the courageous manner in which they carried out this assignment."
William J. Knapp was flying an SBD-3, No. 06571 along with his gunner, S/Sgt. Leighton M. Manning.
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) October 27, 1942
"0915-1045 Striking force against AA positions at Kohumbona Beach (coordinates 6511-202,11 on map #104). Force composed of 9 SBD's, 2 P-400's, and 3 P-39's. There appeared to be eight AA positions grouped in the area and in size from 20 MM to 3". 9-1000# bombs and 5-100# bombs were dropped in the area which was also strafed by 5 Army planes. Effect of action on enemy unknown but thought to be considerable with three positions knocked out. The personnel taking part in the attack were as follows: 9 SBD's (VMSB-141)...2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, S. Sgt. L. F. Manning..."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) October 29, 1942
"...At 2325, thereafter in a nearly continuous chain till daylight SBD's in pairs went out to attack these ships (2 enemy DD's heading for Kohumbona Beach) The flyers were:...2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, VMSB-141 S. Sgt. L. F. Manning..."
HEADQUARTERS, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP FOURTEEN, FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE
Record of events, Marine Aircraft Group 14, Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 16, 1942
"On Oct. 29th, a report came in about noon from Coast Watchers that a force of three DDs was proceeding down the channel between New Georgia and Santa Isabel towards Guadalcanal....However, at 2200, by moonlight, Lt. Zalewski, VS-71, located them approaching Kokumbona Beach. The ships on being discovered reversed their course and thereafter SBD's were dispatched at 15 minute intervals to bomb and strafe the DDs until they were beyond the Russells. Although no hits were made on the DD's (3 near misses), this was a completely successful night operation as the enemy was prevented from accomplishing its mission of landing reinforcements."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) November 1, 1942
"....ten missions were sent out form time to time to strafe and bomb designated areas and reported enemy gun positions West of Pt. Cruz, in support of advancing ground troops....Pilots were:....2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, VMSB-141, S. Sgt. L. F. Manning (up three times)..."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) November 3, 1942
"About 1530 it was reported that the Japs had affected a landing of troops and artillery about 1000 yards East of Koli Point during the previous night. 15 SBD's; 4 P-38's; 2 P-400's; 1 TBF; and 7 F4F's were sent to bomb and strafe the area. They dropped a total of 76 100-pound and 20 500-pound bombs and on 325-pound depth charge in the area, and received considerable small arms AA fire. All returned safely. The fliers were:....2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, VMSB-141, S. Sgt. L. M. Manning ..."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) November 6, 1942
C SECTOR SEARCH - 1325 - 1710
Second Lieutenant William J. Knapp; T. Sgt. Leighton M. Manning, VMSB-141
Results: Negative. Bad weather front at Choiseul Island. Otherwise good weather. Went out 250 miles.
*******************************************************************************
Captain, William J. Knapp, Jr. was lost in bad weather on 13 November 1942 while on a mission against the Japanese battleship Hiei and her consort of destroyers. About 1745 on the 13th a group of eight SBDs (four 132, four 141) from CACTUS took off for the Hiei. William J. Knapp was flying SBD-3 06571. "Two Dauntlesses had to turn back...the weather so socked in the skies over Savo that it was difficult to find the target...heavy dark clouds, squalls and fog obscured the skies.... horrible weather.....The same type of weather that finished Wakasugi [Ikuzo Wakasugi, Japanese Zero pilot] also killed the two VMSB-141 crews of second lieutenants, William J. Knapp, Jr., and Amedeo Sandretto." Source: The Death of the Hiei [Japanese battleship] Page 483
*******************************************************************************
HEADQUARTERS, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP FOURTEEN, FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE
Record of events, Marine Aircraft Group 14, Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 16, 1942
"In the final attack before dark, Major Sailer lead three pilots from VMSB-132 and four from VMSB-141. He was the only one to make contact due to extremely bad weather and making his dive alone got a direct hit or a very near miss on the CL. Lt. Sandretto and Lt. Knapp failed to return from this mission and are still missing."
*******************************************************************************
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Oct 1943 - Second Lieutenant, William J. Knapp
Missing Persons Detachment, HQ U.S. Marine Corps - To be continued in a Missing In Action status for more than a year authority report from the Casualty Division.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Jul 1944 - Prisoners Of War And Missing Persons Detachment, Hq, U S Marine Corps; Second Lieutenant, William J. Knapp, Jr, (AVN) "Missing in Action". He was taken off the "missing in action" list and officially declared dead on 19 February 1945.
SYNOPSIS: William G. Knapp (MCSN: 0-37827), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in actions against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. General Orders: Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 - 1955 (Jane Blakeney)
William J. Knapp, United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Air Medal "For Meritorious achievement while attached to a Marine Aircraft Group during aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, November 7 and 13, 1942".
U.S., Navy Casualties Books, California Dead - KNAPP William J., Jr., 2nd Lieutenant, USMCR. Wife Mrs. William J. Knapp, Jr., 30 Miramar Ave, Santa Barbara.
Yale University - William Jared Knapp, Jr., Memorial (1947). Mr. and Mrs. William J. Knapp in memory of their son, William J. Knapp, Jr., BA 1941, For a Senior
He also has a cenotaph in Bolton Cemetery, Bolton, Warren County, New York:
William Jared Knapp Jr
Capt USSM Guadalcanal
1919-1942
William J. Knapp, Jr.
Captain, United States Marine Corps
Service # 0-010933, VMSB-141
Entered the Service from: New York
Died: 13 November 1942, Lost in storm, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Officially Declared Dead: 19 February 1945
Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart
Son of William Jared Knapp (1884-1947) & Carrie Louise Allen (1887-1967).
WILLIAM JARED KNAPP, JR. of the Class of 1937. Bill Knapp left Millbrook School after two years and graduated from another school.
William Jared Knapp, Jr. - Yale University, BA 1941
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: 31 Dec 1941 - William J. Knapp, U.S. Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. He had enlisted on 12 August 1941 in New York, New York
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Jul 1942 - Second Lieutenant, William J Knapp
VMSB-141, MAG-14, FMAW, FMF. C/O Postmaster, San Francisco,
California. Tactical School under Instn.
2nd Lt., William J. Knapp, Jr. (VMSB-141), Marine Aircraft Group 14, arrived on 30 September 1942 at Henderson Airfield, Lunga Point, Guadalcanal. His squadron (VMF-141) flew the US Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber.
MARINE SCOUT BOMBING SQUADRON 141 (VMSB-141) - Marine Fighting Squadron 141 (VMF-141) was a reserve fighter squadron in the United States Marine Corps. The squadron fought most notably as part of the Cactus Air Force during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Oct 1942 - Second Lieutenant, William J Knapp
Marine Scout Bombing Squadron One Forty-One, Marine Aircraft Group Fourteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing.
"Long after dark, close to midnight on the night of October 13, 1942, the Japanese navy positioned two battleships, Kongo and Haruna, within range of the air base, and, after their aircraft had dropped high-intensity flares to mark the target, the two ships' sixteen guns began zeroing in on Henderson Field. They soon found the range, and, for more than an hour the huge guns propelled a total of more than 900 fourteen-inch shells, some high-explosive and some armor-piercing, into the area of the airfield. The unimaginable terror this great bombardment caused to the men in their foxholes was matched by the actual destruction. Samuel Griffith in The Battle for Guadalcanal stated simply: "Few bombardments of World War II equaled this in the amount of large calibre ammunition fired in a few minutes more than an hour on so small a target."
The tangible devastation caused by this unprecedented attack was all too easily measured: of 39 operational SBDs, 34 were destroyed or knocked out of commission; 16 of 40 Wildcat fighters were destroyed, and the 24 others were damaged. In human terms, there were 60 casualties, of whom 41 were killed. Most pertinent to the story of Joseph Sailer was the terrible loss sustained by one squadron of dive-bombers. VMSB-141, which had arrived bit by bit on Guadalcanal from late September up to the very day of the shelling, lost five officers, including its squadron commander, executive officer, and flight officer, in this one deadly night on the ground. This squadron, barely arrived on the scene, was eviscerated before it had much of a chance to become oriented and effective. Eventually, of forty-one pilots that arrived for combat, the squadron lost eighteen killed or missing in action, and another nine to injuries or illness." Source: Dauntless Marine: Joseph Sailer, Jr., Dive-Bombing Ace of Guadalcanal by Alexander S. White.
*******************************************************************************
HEADQUARTERS, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP FOURTEEN, FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE
Record of events, Marine Aircraft Group 14, Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 16, 1942
"Marine Aircraft Group 14 began operations at Cactus on October 16, 1942. The mission assigned was to operate the scout bombers and torpedo aircraft available at Cactus.
Among Missions undertaken were reconnaissance and artillery spotting, flights in conjunction with our ground forces, anti-submarine patrols, escort work for surface vessels and area searches....These searches were flown in accordance with a regular schedule....required two SBD's for each search. The purpose of these flights were three fold: First and most important of these being to report movements of any enemy shipping observed, secondly to report any coastal activities of the enemy observed through the islands and thirdly to pass along aerological data on area flown over. These searches were long, hazardous and often carried out despite seemingly impossible flying conditions, and the SBD pilots deserve tremendous credit for the courageous manner in which they carried out this assignment."
William J. Knapp was flying an SBD-3, No. 06571 along with his gunner, S/Sgt. Leighton M. Manning.
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) October 27, 1942
"0915-1045 Striking force against AA positions at Kohumbona Beach (coordinates 6511-202,11 on map #104). Force composed of 9 SBD's, 2 P-400's, and 3 P-39's. There appeared to be eight AA positions grouped in the area and in size from 20 MM to 3". 9-1000# bombs and 5-100# bombs were dropped in the area which was also strafed by 5 Army planes. Effect of action on enemy unknown but thought to be considerable with three positions knocked out. The personnel taking part in the attack were as follows: 9 SBD's (VMSB-141)...2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, S. Sgt. L. F. Manning..."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) October 29, 1942
"...At 2325, thereafter in a nearly continuous chain till daylight SBD's in pairs went out to attack these ships (2 enemy DD's heading for Kohumbona Beach) The flyers were:...2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, VMSB-141 S. Sgt. L. F. Manning..."
HEADQUARTERS, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP FOURTEEN, FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE
Record of events, Marine Aircraft Group 14, Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 16, 1942
"On Oct. 29th, a report came in about noon from Coast Watchers that a force of three DDs was proceeding down the channel between New Georgia and Santa Isabel towards Guadalcanal....However, at 2200, by moonlight, Lt. Zalewski, VS-71, located them approaching Kokumbona Beach. The ships on being discovered reversed their course and thereafter SBD's were dispatched at 15 minute intervals to bomb and strafe the DDs until they were beyond the Russells. Although no hits were made on the DD's (3 near misses), this was a completely successful night operation as the enemy was prevented from accomplishing its mission of landing reinforcements."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) November 1, 1942
"....ten missions were sent out form time to time to strafe and bomb designated areas and reported enemy gun positions West of Pt. Cruz, in support of advancing ground troops....Pilots were:....2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, VMSB-141, S. Sgt. L. F. Manning (up three times)..."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) November 3, 1942
"About 1530 it was reported that the Japs had affected a landing of troops and artillery about 1000 yards East of Koli Point during the previous night. 15 SBD's; 4 P-38's; 2 P-400's; 1 TBF; and 7 F4F's were sent to bomb and strafe the area. They dropped a total of 76 100-pound and 20 500-pound bombs and on 325-pound depth charge in the area, and received considerable small arms AA fire. All returned safely. The fliers were:....2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, VMSB-141, S. Sgt. L. M. Manning ..."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) November 6, 1942
C SECTOR SEARCH - 1325 - 1710
Second Lieutenant William J. Knapp; T. Sgt. Leighton M. Manning, VMSB-141
Results: Negative. Bad weather front at Choiseul Island. Otherwise good weather. Went out 250 miles.
*******************************************************************************
Captain, William J. Knapp, Jr. was lost in bad weather on 13 November 1942 while on a mission against the Japanese battleship Hiei and her consort of destroyers. About 1745 on the 13th a group of eight SBDs (four 132, four 141) from CACTUS took off for the Hiei. William J. Knapp was flying SBD-3 06571. "Two Dauntlesses had to turn back...the weather so socked in the skies over Savo that it was difficult to find the target...heavy dark clouds, squalls and fog obscured the skies.... horrible weather.....The same type of weather that finished Wakasugi [Ikuzo Wakasugi, Japanese Zero pilot] also killed the two VMSB-141 crews of second lieutenants, William J. Knapp, Jr., and Amedeo Sandretto." Source: The Death of the Hiei [Japanese battleship] Page 483
*******************************************************************************
HEADQUARTERS, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP FOURTEEN, FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE
Record of events, Marine Aircraft Group 14, Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 16, 1942
"In the final attack before dark, Major Sailer lead three pilots from VMSB-132 and four from VMSB-141. He was the only one to make contact due to extremely bad weather and making his dive alone got a direct hit or a very near miss on the CL. Lt. Sandretto and Lt. Knapp failed to return from this mission and are still missing."
*******************************************************************************
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Oct 1943 - Second Lieutenant, William J. Knapp
Missing Persons Detachment, HQ U.S. Marine Corps - To be continued in a Missing In Action status for more than a year authority report from the Casualty Division.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Jul 1944 - Prisoners Of War And Missing Persons Detachment, Hq, U S Marine Corps; Second Lieutenant, William J. Knapp, Jr, (AVN) "Missing in Action". He was taken off the "missing in action" list and officially declared dead on 19 February 1945.
SYNOPSIS: William G. Knapp (MCSN: 0-37827), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in actions against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. General Orders: Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 - 1955 (Jane Blakeney)
William J. Knapp, United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Air Medal "For Meritorious achievement while attached to a Marine Aircraft Group during aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, November 7 and 13, 1942".
U.S., Navy Casualties Books, California Dead - KNAPP William J., Jr., 2nd Lieutenant, USMCR. Wife Mrs. William J. Knapp, Jr., 30 Miramar Ave, Santa Barbara.
Yale University - William Jared Knapp, Jr., Memorial (1947). Mr. and Mrs. William J. Knapp in memory of their son, William J. Knapp, Jr., BA 1941, For a Senior
He also has a cenotaph in Bolton Cemetery, Bolton, Warren County, New York:
William Jared Knapp Jr
Capt USSM Guadalcanal
1919-1942
Captain, United States Marine Corps
Service # 0-010933, VMSB-141
Entered the Service from: New York
Died: 13 November 1942, Lost in storm, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Officially Declared Dead: 19 February 1945
Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart
Son of William Jared Knapp (1884-1947) & Carrie Louise Allen (1887-1967).
WILLIAM JARED KNAPP, JR. of the Class of 1937. Bill Knapp left Millbrook School after two years and graduated from another school.
William Jared Knapp, Jr. - Yale University, BA 1941
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: 31 Dec 1941 - William J. Knapp, U.S. Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. He had enlisted on 12 August 1941 in New York, New York
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Jul 1942 - Second Lieutenant, William J Knapp
VMSB-141, MAG-14, FMAW, FMF. C/O Postmaster, San Francisco,
California. Tactical School under Instn.
2nd Lt., William J. Knapp, Jr. (VMSB-141), Marine Aircraft Group 14, arrived on 30 September 1942 at Henderson Airfield, Lunga Point, Guadalcanal. His squadron (VMF-141) flew the US Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber.
MARINE SCOUT BOMBING SQUADRON 141 (VMSB-141) - Marine Fighting Squadron 141 (VMF-141) was a reserve fighter squadron in the United States Marine Corps. The squadron fought most notably as part of the Cactus Air Force during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Oct 1942 - Second Lieutenant, William J Knapp
Marine Scout Bombing Squadron One Forty-One, Marine Aircraft Group Fourteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing.
"Long after dark, close to midnight on the night of October 13, 1942, the Japanese navy positioned two battleships, Kongo and Haruna, within range of the air base, and, after their aircraft had dropped high-intensity flares to mark the target, the two ships' sixteen guns began zeroing in on Henderson Field. They soon found the range, and, for more than an hour the huge guns propelled a total of more than 900 fourteen-inch shells, some high-explosive and some armor-piercing, into the area of the airfield. The unimaginable terror this great bombardment caused to the men in their foxholes was matched by the actual destruction. Samuel Griffith in The Battle for Guadalcanal stated simply: "Few bombardments of World War II equaled this in the amount of large calibre ammunition fired in a few minutes more than an hour on so small a target."
The tangible devastation caused by this unprecedented attack was all too easily measured: of 39 operational SBDs, 34 were destroyed or knocked out of commission; 16 of 40 Wildcat fighters were destroyed, and the 24 others were damaged. In human terms, there were 60 casualties, of whom 41 were killed. Most pertinent to the story of Joseph Sailer was the terrible loss sustained by one squadron of dive-bombers. VMSB-141, which had arrived bit by bit on Guadalcanal from late September up to the very day of the shelling, lost five officers, including its squadron commander, executive officer, and flight officer, in this one deadly night on the ground. This squadron, barely arrived on the scene, was eviscerated before it had much of a chance to become oriented and effective. Eventually, of forty-one pilots that arrived for combat, the squadron lost eighteen killed or missing in action, and another nine to injuries or illness." Source: Dauntless Marine: Joseph Sailer, Jr., Dive-Bombing Ace of Guadalcanal by Alexander S. White.
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HEADQUARTERS, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP FOURTEEN, FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE
Record of events, Marine Aircraft Group 14, Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 16, 1942
"Marine Aircraft Group 14 began operations at Cactus on October 16, 1942. The mission assigned was to operate the scout bombers and torpedo aircraft available at Cactus.
Among Missions undertaken were reconnaissance and artillery spotting, flights in conjunction with our ground forces, anti-submarine patrols, escort work for surface vessels and area searches....These searches were flown in accordance with a regular schedule....required two SBD's for each search. The purpose of these flights were three fold: First and most important of these being to report movements of any enemy shipping observed, secondly to report any coastal activities of the enemy observed through the islands and thirdly to pass along aerological data on area flown over. These searches were long, hazardous and often carried out despite seemingly impossible flying conditions, and the SBD pilots deserve tremendous credit for the courageous manner in which they carried out this assignment."
William J. Knapp was flying an SBD-3, No. 06571 along with his gunner, S/Sgt. Leighton M. Manning.
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) October 27, 1942
"0915-1045 Striking force against AA positions at Kohumbona Beach (coordinates 6511-202,11 on map #104). Force composed of 9 SBD's, 2 P-400's, and 3 P-39's. There appeared to be eight AA positions grouped in the area and in size from 20 MM to 3". 9-1000# bombs and 5-100# bombs were dropped in the area which was also strafed by 5 Army planes. Effect of action on enemy unknown but thought to be considerable with three positions knocked out. The personnel taking part in the attack were as follows: 9 SBD's (VMSB-141)...2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, S. Sgt. L. F. Manning..."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) October 29, 1942
"...At 2325, thereafter in a nearly continuous chain till daylight SBD's in pairs went out to attack these ships (2 enemy DD's heading for Kohumbona Beach) The flyers were:...2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, VMSB-141 S. Sgt. L. F. Manning..."
HEADQUARTERS, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP FOURTEEN, FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE
Record of events, Marine Aircraft Group 14, Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 16, 1942
"On Oct. 29th, a report came in about noon from Coast Watchers that a force of three DDs was proceeding down the channel between New Georgia and Santa Isabel towards Guadalcanal....However, at 2200, by moonlight, Lt. Zalewski, VS-71, located them approaching Kokumbona Beach. The ships on being discovered reversed their course and thereafter SBD's were dispatched at 15 minute intervals to bomb and strafe the DDs until they were beyond the Russells. Although no hits were made on the DD's (3 near misses), this was a completely successful night operation as the enemy was prevented from accomplishing its mission of landing reinforcements."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) November 1, 1942
"....ten missions were sent out form time to time to strafe and bomb designated areas and reported enemy gun positions West of Pt. Cruz, in support of advancing ground troops....Pilots were:....2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, VMSB-141, S. Sgt. L. F. Manning (up three times)..."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) November 3, 1942
"About 1530 it was reported that the Japs had affected a landing of troops and artillery about 1000 yards East of Koli Point during the previous night. 15 SBD's; 4 P-38's; 2 P-400's; 1 TBF; and 7 F4F's were sent to bomb and strafe the area. They dropped a total of 76 100-pound and 20 500-pound bombs and on 325-pound depth charge in the area, and received considerable small arms AA fire. All returned safely. The fliers were:....2nd Lt. W. J. Knapp, VMSB-141, S. Sgt. L. M. Manning ..."
War Diary MAG-23 (Guadalcanal) November 6, 1942
C SECTOR SEARCH - 1325 - 1710
Second Lieutenant William J. Knapp; T. Sgt. Leighton M. Manning, VMSB-141
Results: Negative. Bad weather front at Choiseul Island. Otherwise good weather. Went out 250 miles.
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Captain, William J. Knapp, Jr. was lost in bad weather on 13 November 1942 while on a mission against the Japanese battleship Hiei and her consort of destroyers. About 1745 on the 13th a group of eight SBDs (four 132, four 141) from CACTUS took off for the Hiei. William J. Knapp was flying SBD-3 06571. "Two Dauntlesses had to turn back...the weather so socked in the skies over Savo that it was difficult to find the target...heavy dark clouds, squalls and fog obscured the skies.... horrible weather.....The same type of weather that finished Wakasugi [Ikuzo Wakasugi, Japanese Zero pilot] also killed the two VMSB-141 crews of second lieutenants, William J. Knapp, Jr., and Amedeo Sandretto." Source: The Death of the Hiei [Japanese battleship] Page 483
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HEADQUARTERS, MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP FOURTEEN, FIRST MARINE AIRCRAFT WING, FLEET MARINE FORCE
Record of events, Marine Aircraft Group 14, Oct. 16, 1942 to Dec. 16, 1942
"In the final attack before dark, Major Sailer lead three pilots from VMSB-132 and four from VMSB-141. He was the only one to make contact due to extremely bad weather and making his dive alone got a direct hit or a very near miss on the CL. Lt. Sandretto and Lt. Knapp failed to return from this mission and are still missing."
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U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Oct 1943 - Second Lieutenant, William J. Knapp
Missing Persons Detachment, HQ U.S. Marine Corps - To be continued in a Missing In Action status for more than a year authority report from the Casualty Division.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll: Jul 1944 - Prisoners Of War And Missing Persons Detachment, Hq, U S Marine Corps; Second Lieutenant, William J. Knapp, Jr, (AVN) "Missing in Action". He was taken off the "missing in action" list and officially declared dead on 19 February 1945.
SYNOPSIS: William G. Knapp (MCSN: 0-37827), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in actions against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. General Orders: Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 - 1955 (Jane Blakeney)
William J. Knapp, United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Air Medal "For Meritorious achievement while attached to a Marine Aircraft Group during aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, November 7 and 13, 1942".
U.S., Navy Casualties Books, California Dead - KNAPP William J., Jr., 2nd Lieutenant, USMCR. Wife Mrs. William J. Knapp, Jr., 30 Miramar Ave, Santa Barbara.
Yale University - William Jared Knapp, Jr., Memorial (1947). Mr. and Mrs. William J. Knapp in memory of their son, William J. Knapp, Jr., BA 1941, For a Senior
He also has a cenotaph in Bolton Cemetery, Bolton, Warren County, New York:
William Jared Knapp Jr
Capt USSM Guadalcanal
1919-1942
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from New York.
Family Members
Parents
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