WWII submarine veterans braved strong fall winds in Bluffdale Saturday to see the unveiling of a monument dedicated to their fallen shipmates.
More than 100 people attended the monument dedication at the Utah Veteran's Memorial Park, hosted by the Utah Chapter of the United States Submarine Veterans of WWII.The memorial primarily honors the 79 officers and crew members who died when their submarine, the U.S.S. Harder, was sunk Aug. 24, 1944, off the west coast of the Philippine Islands. During its six patrols, the U.S.S. Harder sank 20 enemy ships, including a record five destroyers in five days, said George Hamilton, a member of the USSVWWII.
The monument also remembers the 52 U.S. submarines that were lost in the war and the 3,600 men who died aboard them.
"This monument is definitely something good. Many people have already forgotten what these men did for our country. They gave the ultimate sacrifice - their lives," said David Stark, the nephew of a submarine officer who died during WWII.
The prominent part of the monument is a Mark 14, a 21-foot steam turbine-powered torpedo that boasts a 1,000-pound warhead. The Mark 14 is credited with helping U.S. submarines sink 55 percent of 201 enemy warships and 1,113 merchant ships, said Hamilton.
In front of the torpedo stand three bronze plaques. The first plaque depicts the U.S.S. Harder sinking a ship. The second plaque named the 79 men who were lost aboard the vessel. The third plaque lists all 52 U.S. submarines that were lost in the war.
"This event symbolizes the completion of four years of planning, fund raising and trying to get this thing off the ground. It has been a wonderful day and the monument will always stand as a remembrance of the courageous men who gave their lives for this county," said Jerry Hernandez, president of the Utah chapter of the USSVWWII.
After the talks and strong tributes by WWII submarine veterans to their lost comrades, Hernandez tolled a bell for each of the men who died on the U.S.S. Harder.
The Taylorsville High School Band played "Taps" during the 21-gun salute that followed.
"Today was a fitting tribute to men who should never be forgotten. They should always be remembered for their courageous contribution to this country," said Stark.
Funds are still needed to complete the monument, which needs a roof to protect the torpedo and plaques. For information on donations, contact George Hamilton at 292-8395.