[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 20, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S2187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        THE U.S.S. SOUTH DAKOTA

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution 
honoring the 60th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS South 
Dakota.
  The USS South Dakota was the lead ship of a class of 35,000-ton 
battleships and was officially commissioned on March 20, 1942. Few 
ships in the history of the United States Navy have had such a 
distinguished service record or have been as integral to the defense of 
our Nation. The Resolution I am submitting today honors both the USS 
South Dakota and her dedicated crew.
  The USS South Dakota served throughout World War II, and became the 
most decorated American battleship of the war having been awarded 13 
battle stars. In addition, the South Dakota became one of only four 
battleships to receive the Navy Unit Commendation.
  While the South Dakota spent the majority of its service in World War 
II in the Pacific, it did serve in the Atlantic along with the British 
Home Fleet from February to July 1943. However, no one can deny that 
the crew truly distinguished themselves in the Pacific Campaign. Very 
few of the battles fought in that theater of operation occurred without 
the support of the USS South Dakota. In fact, the South Dakota saw 
action at the battle for Guadalcanal, the Battle of the Santa Cruz 
Islands, the invasions of the Gilbert Islands and Marshall Islands, the 
Marianas Campaign, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the invasions of 
Leyte and Luzon in the Philippines, the invasions of Iwo Jima and 
Okinawa, and attacks on the home Islands of Japan. All told, the USS 
South Dakota was credited with sinking three enemy ships and downing 64 
enemy aircraft during the war.
  The proudest moment for the crew may have been when the South Dakota 
served as the flagship for Admiral Chester W. Nimitz during the 
surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. For the ship, its 
crew, and our Nation, this signalled the end of World War II and our 
complete victory over the forces of fascism. Following the surrender of 
Japan, the South Dakota was the flagship for Admiral William F. Halsey 
during the return of the fleet to the United States.
  On the 60th Anniversary of its commissioning, I would like to take 
this opportunity to thank the crew of the USS South Dakota for their 
service to our Nation. Their contributions to the freedoms we enjoy 
today is a debt we can never fully repay. I ask my colleagues to join 
with me in remembering the USS South Dakota and honoring the lasting 
legacy of her crew.

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