The U.S.S. San Diego was the second most decorated ship to serve in World War II. The light cruiser was awarded 18 battle stars and never lost a man to enemy action. The U.S.S. San Diego Memorial commemorates and celebrates this ship and crew in a way that resonates with present and future audiences.
Among the Most decorated US ships of World War II
Numerous ships have utilized the name U.S.S. San Diego. The first U.S.S. San Diego (ARC 6) served from 1907-1918. The ship saw its’ demise when it came across a floating mine laid by a German U-boat. Thankfully, only six men of the 1,200 serving aboard the ARC 6 were killed. The U.S.S. San Diego Memorial is actually dedicated to the second ship that utilized this name, which did not suffer any casualties.
The U.S.S. San Diego Cl 53 (Atlanta class light cruiser) was christened in 1941 and proved to be one of the most accomplished and decorated ships during World War II. It would become known as “the Unbeatable” ship. The U.S.S. San Diego fought in the South Pacific during the Second World War and was the first major ship to enter Tokyo Harbor for the signing of the Japanese surrender.
The U.S.S. San Diego did not garner as much attention after World War II as other famous ships such as the battleship U.S.S. Missouri. While the ship was sold for scrap in 1960, on April 25, 2003, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the U.S.S. San Diego Memorial. Created by Eugene Daub, it commemorates the USS San Diego Cl 53, those who served aboard her, and all of their accomplishments.
These accomplishments are commemorated literally and figuratively all across the U.S.S. San Diego Memorial. A depiction of a sailor is a prominent feature of the memorial, but the names of the people who served as well as a map of the ship’s exploits are also especially prominent. Located along the San Diego Embarcadero and nearby monuments like “Unconditional Surrender”, the U.S.S. San Diego Memorial highlights what it can mean for a memorial to create a legacy that spans across multiple generations.
Equal Parts Celebration and Commemoration
The common ideals of the thousands of soldiers who set aside their hopes, aspirations and their families to serve during World War II are remembered in the U.S.S. San Diego Memorial. Like other memorials that are dedicated to the sacrifice and legacy of the people who have served in war, the U.S.S. San Diego Memorial has been able to showcase what it means to be equal parts celebration and commemoration to serve a present and future community, region and country.
