USS North Carolina
New Hanover County, New Hanover County, North Carolina
Marker Inscription
Uss North Carolina. World War II battleship. Launched, June 13, 1940. Served in Pacific, 1942-1945. Decommissioned, 1947. Berthed here, 1961.
Erected by North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
The Story
Launched on June 13, 1940, the battleship USS North Carolina (BB-55) became one of the most decorated American warships of World War II, serving throughout the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. Decommissioned in 1947, she was saved from scrapping by a statewide campaign and berthed here as a memorial in 1961. Today she honors the state's World War II veterans.
Why it matters
The USS North Carolina stands as a monument to American industrial might and the sacrifices of those who fought the Pacific war.
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Related events
- ยท World War II Pacific Theater
Themes & tags
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