For those history buffs out there here is one on the USS South Dakota…
As many of you may (or may not know) this ship was the most decorated war ship of WWII and one of the most decorated U.S. battleships in history. Commissioned in June 1941, she steamed 246,970 miles, destroyed 64 enemy planes, was involved in every major Pacific battle from 1942 through 1945 and was awarded with 13 Battle Stars.
Pretty impressive!
So where does the nickname Battleship X come from? Well, the Japanese had thought they had sunk her and then name was given to prevent the Japanese from discovering they had not actually sunk her. Under the new title, she became a ship of legend and was adored by Americans who read about her heroics in the papers under the title of “Battleship X” and “Old Nameless.”�
She was decommissioned in 1947, was sold and sent to be scrapped in 1962. At that time, the city of Sioux Falls attempted to acquire the ship for a memorial. They were unsuccessful in obtaining the entire battleship, but they salvaged the pieces they could. A one-foot-high concrete barrier was poured in the outline of the ship and the salvaged pieces were put in place for the memorial. The USS South Dakota memorial was erected to commemorate the great battleship and her storied career and service.
The memorial can be seen in Sherman Park on W. 12th St. and S. Kiwanis Ave. in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Check it out and take in a bit more history while doing so!
Posted in history,South Dakota Attractions
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Sirs,
I am proud to have been involved in the commisioning of the Ship in 1941 in Camden New Jersey. I went to Washington High school and Joe Foss was our band director. The band went by train from Sioux Falls to Camden for the commisioning of the ship. I am currently working on a scrapbook from that trip, I have several newspaper articles about the commisioning and some very fond memories. I would very much appreciate any information about the ship so we might exchange experiences.
Sincerely
Darlene Simpson
Elim Park, Apt 6101
Cook Hill Road
Cheshire , CT 06410
Hi Darlene,
What an interesting history you must have with this ship. I want to direct you to the group of people who would have more knowledge about the ship than the Office of Tourism may be able to offer. Please contact the South Dakota State Historical Society. They can be reached at the following:
South Dakota State Historical Society
900 Govenors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501
phone: 605-773-3458
fax: 605-773-6041
or email: sdshswebmaster@state.sd.us
Please, let me know if the South Dakota State Historical Society was able to help you in your quest for information about the ship. Or, if you have further questions for us, please call us at the phone number listed below. Your scrapbook will be a wonderful collection of memories, I am sure!
Best of luck, and thanks for contacting us,
Katlyn Richter
South Dakota Office of Tourism
http://www.travelsd.com
605-773-3301
Have orginial books given to men serving on ship. Also knife that was given to men by King of England during WW II. Would like to know of museum to contact. Anyone having info feel free to email.
Hello,
From what I understand My grandfather Hayford Plumline Served on the ship, though I don’t know when exactly, I do have an old document that states he was there for the signing of the surrender of the Japanese. I had no idea the Battle Ship X was that much of a bad ass. Would anyone be able to lead me to a place where I can see the crew compliment of the ship?
I was on board her from the biging un til i was injured in the battle of sanya cruse