U.S.S. SOUTH DAKOTA
UPDATE EFFECTIVE 07/18/07
Dedicated to and in memory
of all
who served aboard the
"Queen of the Fleet"
IN MEMORY OF
Larry J. Maday, Sr.
U.S. Navy
GM 3rd Class/1st Div.
(More photos, click on Larry's Photo)
BB57
On June 7, 1941 this battleship was christened and became home for many young sailors. Today, these sailors meet every other year in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to reminisce with their fellow shipmates and to honor all those that lost their lives while serving aboard the Battleship 'X". This web page is dedicated to these men and to the memorial, that has been built in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, through their contributions.
Known to many as "BATTLESHIP X"
The first gunfire against the Japanese Homeland was launched from the USS South Dakota on July 14, 1945. Today the memorial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota serves as a reminder to all who visit, the dedication and camaraderie of the crew members. The men who served aboard her come together every other year to reminisce about their cherished times aboard what they fondly refer to as the "BB57. The picture below is a painting of the Santa Cruz Battle, October 26, 1942, entitled "Air Defense, Battle of Santa Cruz" --by Dwight Shepler. It depicts the Battle in which the crew of BB57 shot down 32 Japanese airplanes, as described in "Old Nameless", by Sidney Shalett. A copy of this painting can be seen at the U.S.S. South Dakota Battleship Memorial.
This building is the center of the memorial. It houses many artifacts and memorabilia that have been donated over the years by the crew members. In 1962 the Navy sold the BB57. However, the Navy was willing to donate relics from this ship and other scrapped battleships to the people of South Dakota and to the crew members, but transportation had to be paid for. Through donations from the crew members, a group of men were able to secure many of the parts from the ship.
The ships anchor lies at the bow of the concrete outline. Above the outline lies the LIFE LINE from the ship. The ships bell hangs at the entrance to the memorial building.
A 16 inch gun from a battleship was brought to Sioux Falls the spring of 1995 and put in place at the memorial. Beneath the memorial is a wall plaque that contains the names of the crew members who helped, through donations to make the gun a part of the memorial.
2001 has made way for the long awaited addition to
the memorial building. July, 2001 was the beginning of the buildout. We are
happy to report that the outer structure is now complete and the portals
have been put in place.
The inside should be complete in time for opening in May of 2002. This photo
was sent to us by Captain David Witte, Navy Reserves. Dave and the members
of the Memorial Foundation board have spent many hours to get this project
underway. On behalf of the crew and the 2nd Generation Group, we wish to
extend to Dave and the board, a sincere thank you for all they have accomplished
for crew, the ship and future generations. Click on the photo for a larger
view.
Please visit our REUNIONS & CURRENT EVENTS sites for up
to date information about whats new with the shipmates and the 2nd
Generation.
If you would like more information regarding future reunions, or are looking
for help in locating other crew members please send an e-mail request.
We will be adding to this web site periodically, so stop by anytime to see
what's new. Let us know what you think about our page by clicking on the
floating bottle.
