Seaman (E3) John Andrew Collett served aboard the heavy cruiser USS Saint Paul (CA-73). On April 21, 1952, while the cruiser was firing at the enemy off the east coast of Kojo Area, Korea, powder exploded in a gun turret killing him.
The Knoxville Journal, 13 July 1952
Rockwood – Funeral services for Seaman John A. Collett, who was killed in a gun turret explosion on the Cruiser Saint Paul April 21, willll be held tomorrow at the Presbyterian Church. The 22 year-old Rockwood sailor was killed off the coast of Korea in an explosion which killed 30 man. His body arrived here Tuesday afternoon, escorted by Navy MMC John W. Ridlon.
Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James O. Collett, Rockwood; grandmother, Mrs. Molly Collett, Rockwood; five brothers, Joe, George Charley, Mack and Bob Collett, all of Rockwood. One sister, Mrs. Rodger Majors, Oak Ridge. Seaman Collett, who was born in Rockwood, was a veteran of four year’s naval service.
- Rank: Seaman Third Class
- Date of birth: 10 February 1931
- Date of death: 21 April 1952
- County: Roane
- Hometown: Rockwood
- Service Branch: Navy
- Division/Assignment: USS Saint Paul (CA-73)
- Conflict: Korean War
- Awards: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and Republic of Korea War Service Medal
- Burial/Memorial Location: Oak Grove Cemetery, Rockwood, Roane County, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XXI, Middle Panel
- Contact us to sponsor John A. Collett
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