On December 7, 1941, the USS Maryland, a Colorado-class battleship, was moored at Pearl Harbor. The ship was just two berths down from the ill-fated USS Arizona. Here at the USS Maryland Memorial & Bell, a piece of that history speaks to us. This memorial, dedicated in 1961, features the actual bell from the USS Maryland. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ship’s resilience and the bravery of her crew. The USS Maryland survived the attack, though not unscathed. Two bombs struck her, resulting in four casualties. The Japanese mistakenly reported her as sunk, a testament to the chaos and confusion of that day.
The USS Maryland Memorial & Bell stands as a tribute to a ship that defied the odds. The ship and her crew played a vital role in the Pacific Theater of World War II. After repairs, she returned to duty in 1942, participating in critical battles like Midway, Tarawa, and Kwajalein. The bell’s inscription lists these battles: Pearl Harbor, Tarawa, Roi-Namur, Palau, Leyte, Surigao Straits, and Okinawa. Each name etched into the bronze represents a chapter in the USS Maryland’s story of service and sacrifice. She even survived a torpedo attack during the Battle of Saipan. While providing fire support at Okinawa, she was hit by a kamikaze, yet still remained operational.
One remarkable story from Pearl Harbor involves Seaman First Class Leslie Vernon Short. While writing a letter near a gun group, he witnessed the bombing of Ford Island. Before his battle station was even manned, he loaded a machine gun and fired on approaching torpedo planes, downing two. Another crew member, Seaman First Class Andrew Joseph Geiser, flooded the aviation gasoline stowage compartment. His quick thinking likely prevented a catastrophic explosion when a bomb struck directly above. These acts of bravery highlight the courage and resourcefulness of the USS Maryland’s crew. Survivors from the capsized USS Oklahoma even swam to the Maryland, climbing aboard to help with anti-aircraft defense. The USS Maryland became a symbol of resilience and determination.
After the war, the USS Maryland participated in Operation Magic Carpet, bringing thousands of troops home. She was decommissioned in 1947 and later sold for scrap. Thankfully, the bell was saved. It found a new home here, at this memorial in Annapolis, Maryland. The USS Maryland Memorial & Bell offers a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in American history. It reminds us of the sacrifices made and the courage displayed by those who served aboard the USS Maryland.