Blue Angel Wings of Zebulon Vance Knott Jr.

[pfrost]

This is an interesting and beautiful item.  A pencil box owned by Zebulon Vance "Boss" Knott Jr. USN. Capt Knott,  was born on 16 August 1923 and died 14 June 2017. He attended high school in Pensacola and joined the Navy as a cadet in 1942 (from his Obit). He served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Capt. Knott was leader of the Blue Angels for three years in the late 1950's. During over 30 years of military service he accumulated over 10,000 flight hours, 775 carrier landings (300 on straight decks), flew 45 different airplanes, and was Commanding Officer of the AE-19 USS Diamond Head. He earned three Legions of Merit (two with Combat “V”), two Distinguished Flying Crosses, four air medals and the Bronze Star with combat “V”.

 

If you are interested, this is a youtube video of Capt Knott. 

 

I remember seeing the Blue Angels as a kid. 

 

The pencil box is silver plated, engraved with his name and has a wing attached to the front.

 

[bschwartz]

That's a great piece, Patrick.  I love the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds.  They're both at El Centro right now getting ready for the upcoming show season.  Has been fun to follow them on YouTube.  Having a piece of Blue Angel's history is something very special.  

[Scott C.]

I agree with all of the above.  Thanks for sharing this.