The USS South Dakota (BB-57) was one of the most famous American battleships of World War II. Named after the state of South Dakota, she served with distinction in the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet and participated in some of the most important naval battles against Japan.

She became a source of great pride for the people of South Dakota and a lasting symbol of the state's contribution to America's military history.

Basic history

- Name: USS South Dakota

- Hull number: BB-57

- Ship type: Fast battleship

- Built by: New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey

- Keel laid: July 5, 1939

- Launched: June 7, 1941

- Commissioned: March 20, 1942

- Decommissioned: January 31, 1947

- World War II service: Pacific Theater

World War II battles and accomplishments

The battleship fought in numerous major Pacific operations, including:

1. Battle of Santa Cruz Islands – October 1942: Helped defend American aircraft carriers against Japanese air attacks.

2. Naval Battle of Guadalcanal – November 1942: Fought a fierce nighttime engagement against Japanese warships. The ship suffered considerable damage but survived.

3. Gilbert and Marshall Islands – 1943–1944: Supported American island invasions.

4. Battle of the Philippine Sea – June 1944: Helped protect American carrier forces.

5. Battle of Leyte Gulf – October 1944: Supported operations to liberate the Philippines.

6. Iwo Jima and Okinawa – 1945: Provided naval gunfire support for American forces.

7. Japan – July and August 1945: Participated in bombardments of Japanese targets.

On September 2, 1945, the USS South Dakota was present in Tokyo Bay when Japan formally surrendered, ending World War II. 

Naval History and Heritage Command+1

Why was she called Battleship X?

During the early Pacific battles, the Navy wanted to keep the ship's identity and condition secret from the Japanese.

She became known to the American public as Battleship X and also as Old Nameless.

Her survival and fighting ability made her famous throughout the United States. 

Battleship South Dakota Memorial  Awards and recognition

13 Battle Stars

The battleship earned 13 battle stars for her World War II service, making her one of the most decorated American battleships of the war.

U.S. Navy+1

The USS South Dakota Memorial in Sioux Falls

Although the battleship was eventually sold for scrap in 1962, her memory was preserved in South Dakota.

- The Battleship South Dakota Memorial Foundation was established in 1963.

- The memorial was dedicated September 7, 1969.

- Vera C. Bushfield, who christened the original battleship in 1941, participated in the dedication.

- Actual components and historical artifacts from the ship are preserved at the memorial.

Memorial location:

2705 West 12th Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Website: Battleship South Dakota Memorial. 

Battleship South Dakota Memorial+1

Historical significance

The USS South Dakota represents an important part of South Dakota's military heritage. Thousands of sailors served aboard her, and the ship helped secure American victories across the Pacific during World War II.

Her story remains a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men who sailed aboard her.

I can also help you put together a historical biography of the USS South Dakota's crew, including its commanding officers and sailors from South Dakota.