U.S. Navy Department (April 28, 1944)
Press Release
For Immediate Release
April 28, 1944
Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox dies
Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox died at his home, 4704 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, today at 1:08 p.m. (EWT), following a continuation of a heart attack first suffered at Manchester, New Hampshire, Sunday April 23, 1944.
The death of Col. Knox was announced to all naval personnel and establishments, ashore and afloat, throughout the world, in a dispatch from Acting Secretary of the Navy James V. Forrestal. The dispatch said:
It is with profound regret that I announce to the Naval Service the death of the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable William Franklin Knox, which occurred in Washington, DC, at 1308 on April 28, 1944. The Navy has suffered a great loss. Frank Knox was born in Boston, Massachusetts, tended public schools in Grand Rapids and was graduated from Alma College with the degree of AB. On June 4, 1898, he enrolled in the First Regiment, U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, known in history as the Rough Riders. With that distinguished organization he participated in the actions of the Spanish-American War. After that war he entered the field of journalism and in 1903 became publisher of the SAULT STE. MARIE EVENING NEWS. In 1912 he established the MANCHESTER LEADER and later became publisher of the MANCHESTER UNION LEADER. During World War I he served in France as Major in the 303rd Ammunition Train of the 78th Division participating in the Saint-Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offenses. After being transferred to the Field, Artillery Reserve he was promoted on October 15, 1923 to Lieutenant Colonel, Officers Reserve Staff Corps, and in July, 1937, to the rank of Colonel. Col. Knox’s outstanding career in journalism included successively the office of general manager of the Hearst newspapers, publisher of the Hearst Boston newspapers and since 1931 publisher of THE CHICAGO DAILY NEWS.
On July 11, 1940, Col. Knox took the oath of office as Secretary of the Navy. Throughout his entire career in public life, in journalism, in the armed services, and as Secretary of the Navy he has devoted himself unremittingly and without reserve to the best interests of his country and of the Naval Service. His active leadership during the current struggle has been an inspiration which will be sorely missed.
It is directed that Colors be displayed at half-mast on all ships and at all Navy Yards and stations until sunset on the date of interment and to the extent permitted by war operations special memorial services shall be conducted on an appropriate day as prescribed by the senior officer present. Because the nation is at war the firing of salutes and the wearing of mourning badges shall be dispensed with.
Information as to date of interment will be transmitted later.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
April 28, 1944
A Statement by Acting Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal
In the death of Secretary Knox, the nation has lost one of its great leaders, the Navy a devoted servant and all of us who worked with him a loyal friend. His career of public service is a finer tribute to his memory than any that words could express. It can be truly said that he expended himself in the service of his country.