On Wednesday, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, will hold a special ceremony to honour the brave sailors of the USS Laffey, famously known as “The Ship That Would Not Die.” This event marks the 80th anniversary of a deadly World War II attack during the Battle of Okinawa.
Remembering a Courageous Battle
The USS Laffey faced one of the most intense attacks in U.S. Navy history. On April 16, 1945, during the final stages of World War II, the ship was struck by 22 enemy aircraft in just over 80 minutes. Among these were seven kamikaze planes (Japanese suicide pilots) and four bombs that hit the ship directly.
Despite the heavy damage and chaos, the USS Laffey did not sink. Its crew fought bravely to keep the ship afloat and continued defending against the attack. Because of this incredible courage and determination, the ship earned the nickname “The Ship That Would Not Die.”
However, the victory came with great loss. Thirty-two sailors lost their lives, and many others were injured.
A Public Ceremony to Honour the Fallen
The memorial ceremony will take place on the fantail (rear deck) of the USS Laffey at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16. The event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend to pay their respects.
In addition to the ceremony, there will be a presentation explaining the strategic importance of the USS Laffey during the war. Visitors will also be able to take a guided tour of the kamikaze impact sites on the ship, learning exactly where and how the attacks took place.
Tickets and More Information
The event is being held at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, located in Mount Pleasant, SC. Anyone interested in joining the ceremony can buy tickets online at patriotspoint.org.
This is a unique opportunity for history lovers, students, and families to learn about real-life heroism and the sacrifices made during World War II. It’s also a meaningful way to honour the memory of the sailors who gave their lives for their country.
The 80th anniversary of the USS Laffey’s incredible battle during the Battle of Okinawa is more than just a history lesson—it’s a chance to remember real heroes. Patriots Point Museum’s ceremony offers a heartfelt tribute to the 32 sailors who lost their lives while defending their ship and their nation.
Visitors can connect with history in a personal way by walking the decks of the actual ship that survived one of the most intense attacks in naval history. Events like this help keep the stories of courage and sacrifice alive for future generations.
