HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

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

World War IIMemorial

Nearby & related markers

Gen. Allen Hal Turnage

Farmville, NC

Allen Hal Turnage (1891โ€“1971), born in Farmville, rose to command the U.S. Marine Corps Third Division in the Pacific during World War II. He led its assaults on Bougainville and Guam in 1943โ€“44 and was awarded the Navy Cross for his leadership. He was born just southeast of this marker.

Westray Battle Boyce Long

Edgecombe County, NC

Westray Battle Boyce Long led the Women's Army Corps in the immediate aftermath of World War II, directing the branch from 1945 to 1947 as the military demobilized and reckoned with the permanent place of women in its ranks. Her Legion of Merit recognized service in the North African theater in 1943โ€“1944, when the WAC first proved itself close to the front. This roadside marker points to her grave a short distance south.