“I had a lot of growing up to do and the Navy was the place to do it.”
- Machinist Mate Third Class Edward A. Knox, USN
The United States Navy Memorial Stories of Service Program is honored to announce the February 2017 story of the month has been selected to honor the service of Machinist Mate Third Class Edward A. Knox. Machinist Mate Third Class Edward A. Knox was interviewed at the USS Harwood Association Reunion in Philadelphia Pennsylvania by the United States Navy Memorial Stories of Service Program.
Machinist Mate Third Class Edward A. Knox joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 and was sent to Great Lakes for Boot Camp. He recalled, “I had a lot of growing up to do and the Navy was the place to do it. Boot camp knocked a lot of bad out of me and knocked a lot of good into me.” Following Boot Camp, he was assigned to the USS Harwood DD 861.
Knox served on the USS Harwood from 1955 to 1959 and shared a unique perspective about destroyer life during the Cold War. He spoke fondly about the camaraderie of his shipmates and the closeness of the crew. While aboard he participated in Mediterranean Cruises, Midshipman Cruises, and interactions the Harwood had with Soviet Naval and Air Forces.
Part One Joining the Navy and Early Experience on USS Harwood
Part Three Service During the Cold War on the USS Harwood
Part Two Life on the USS Harwood DDE 861 1955 to 1959
The United States Navy Memorial Stories of Service Program honors Machinist Mate Third Class Edward A. Knox, featured within this series titled, Stories of Service, Story of the Month. Each month, this series honors a Veteran’s story recorded by the Stories of Service Program at the Navy Memorial. To learn more about this story and to explore the Navy Memorial archive, visit the Navy Memorial Stories of Service site at https://www.navymemorial.org/stories-of-service.