Lonnie Carpenter Sings Tribute To The Greatest Generation

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Battleship Videos

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Follow USS SD History

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Crewman Oral Histories

The Battleship USS-South Dakota crew member's interviews were conducted by the Center for Western Studies as a contribution to the history of the Battleship USS-South Dakota Memorial

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Take A Virtual Tour of the USS-SD Memorial

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Tom Brokaw's Tribute

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Tom Brokaw is an American television journalist and author best known as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004. He is the author of The Greatest Generation (1998) and other books and the recipient of numerous awards and honors.

Click here to hear Mr. Brokaw's tribute to the ship and crew of the USS South Dakota

Additionally, the Battleship USS South Dakota is very honored that this native South Dakotan has graciously narrated the Virtual Tour of the Memorial.

USS South Dakota Memorial

Most warships are built for an active career of 20 or 30 years. The USS South Dakota was in commission less than five. But in that short lifetime she covered herself with more honors and glory than most other ships realize in much longer periods of service.

Because of her World War II exploits against the Japanese in the South Pacific, this mighty battleship became a legend before she was a year old. She caught the fancy of the American people when her heroics were reported in newspapers under the titles of "battleship X" and "Old Nameless."

Spurred by the Navy's announcement that it was going to scrap the battleship, a number of South Dakota citizens banded together to save part of the famous old "Battleship X." The memorial was completed in 1969 and dedicated with appropriate ceremonies September 7, 1969.

As Vice Admiral Bernard F. Roeder stated at the memorial's dedication, "This grand memorial shall stand in quiet triburte to a man-of-war - a Navy fighting ship that did its best for her country."

The memorial, located on the corner of 12th Street and Kiwanis, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

2nd Generation Web Site

Join Family & Friends of crew members of the USS-SD at the 2nd Generation site. Click here.

USS South Dakota To Sail Again

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Navy Names Virginia Class Attack Submarine USS South Dakota

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and Representative Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) have received word from the Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, Jr., that he is granting their request to name a Virginia class attack submarine the USS South Dakota. In March, the delegation wrote to Secretary Mabus requesting the designation. This is the third USS South Dakota. (see side bar)

“This designation is a fitting tribute for all those South Dakotans who have served our nation. This submarine will represent our state all over the globe and will help ensure our nation’s military remains the strongest in the world. I want to thank Secretary Mabus for his quick response to the delegation’s request and for continuing the strong tradition of the USS South Dakota, including the battleship that served extensively during the Second World War,” said Johnson.

In Their Own Words

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USS South Dakota (BB-57) was a battleship in the United States Navy from 1942 until 1947. The lead ship of her class, South Dakota was the third ship of the U.S. Navy to be named in honor of the 40th state. The USS South Dakota fought gallantly in World War II sea battles in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

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