USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial
The USS South Dakota is World War II's most decorated battleship due to its participation in every major battle in the Pacific during this time. The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in Sherman Park.
The USS South Dakota was christened on June 7, 1941 and the Battleship Memorial was built to honor those who served on it and those who died while aboard on those missions from 1942 through 1945. Pieces of the ship that were recovered are located at the Memorial. Former crew members and their families meet every other year in Sioux Falls at the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial to recollect about life aboard "Battleship 'X'" with fellow shipmates.
The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial is outlined in concrete to depict the shape of the original battleship. It houses an array of memorabilia from and about the battleship, many of which were donated by crew members. There are scale models which are so detailed that you can actually imagine what it would be like if you had been there. Paintings that depict many battles in which the USS South Dakota participated hang on the walls. Some photographs of the crew members and their everyday lives aboard the battleship are also on display. The actual anchor from the USS South Dakota lies at the bow of the outline at the Battleship Memorial. Hanging at the entrance to the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial is the ship's bell.
Admission to the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial is free and it is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial is a testament to the dedication and pride that motivated the crew members to do their jobs and help this battleship to become the most decorated of World War II.
