USS Columbia CL-56
( Light Cruiser )
U.S.S. Columbia CL-56
Commissioned 29 July 1942
Decommissioned 30 November 1946
Upper Plaque
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the
United States Ship Columbia
For service as follows:
" For outstanding heroism in action as a unit
of Task Group 77, 2 operating in support of
the initial landings at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon,
Philippines from January 5 to 9, 1945. Engaged
in bombardment of hostile shore defenses and
in coverage of mine sweeping operations as
a Japanese suicide dive bomber plunged to
attack, the U.S.S. Columbia promtly opened
fire, blasting the target upward and forcing
it between foremast and mainmast to crash 50
feet from the side abreast of the bridge and
spray the entire forward part of the ship with
gasoline. Although saved from serious fires
by the quick action of the repair crews.
The Columbia suffered severe personnel
casualties later the same day when a
hostile suicide dive bomber crashed her main
deck, put two turrets out of action and
caused progressive electrical failures from
extensive flooding. Despite her crippled condition and the increased damage resulting
from a third suicide crash into the
forward battery director. The Columbia
stoutly continued her heavy bombardment
schedule after each fanatical attack, sending
her salvos into enemy gun positions and
facilities with punishing effect in gallant
support of our assault forces until her vital
mission was fulfilled. A resolute and
sturdy veteran, complemented by skilled and
aggressive officers and men, the Columbia has
rendered distinctive service, sustaining and
enhancing the finest tradition of the United
States Naval Service."
All personnel attached to and serving
on board the U.S.S. Columbia during the
above mentioned period are hereby
authorized to wear the Navy Unit
Commendation Ribbon.
James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy.
(Lower Plaque)
The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the
Cruiser Division Twelve
For service as follows:
"For outstanding heroism in action against enemy
Japanese combatatant ships off Empress Augusta Bay,
the night of November 1-2, and the hostile air attack
of the morning of November 2, 1943. Promptly upon
interception of a formation of twelve hostile surface
vessels on cours set for Empress Augusta Bay and
threatening our newly established beachhead, Cruiser
Division Twelve opened fire. Operating at high speed
and maneuvering violently under constant fire and
sporadic shellfire illumination, these gallant
fighting ships confused and disorganized the enemy,
throwing off his fire control calculations and, by
the fierce and relentless blasts from their own
batteries, destroyed one Japanese cruiser and one
destroyer and inflicted severe damage on two
additional cruisers and two destroyers with only
minor damage to our own units. Without fighter
cover when attacked during withdrawal by an overwhelming aerial force of high-level and dive
bombers with fighter escort, the cruisers sent up
an umbrella of five inch- bursts, accurately finding
their targets through the shrapnel-filled air and
forcing the Japanese to retire with heavy losses.
An aggressive daring group, coordinating as one
powerful weapon of destruction, Cruiser Division
Twelve achieved a notable combat record, made
possible only by the courage, seamanship and daring
determination of each ship's company, and served
with distinction in driving the enemy from his southern
strongholds, thereby upholding the finest traditions
of the United States Naval Service."
All personnel attached to and serving on board the
Cleveland, Columbia, Montpelier or the Denver,
November 1 -2, 1943, are hereby authorized to wear
the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.
/S/ James Forrestal
James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy
(Left Plaque)
U.S.S. Columbia
Dec. 1942 Aug. 1945
Actions and Operations
The U.S.S. Columbia participated in the
following actions and operations
against the Japanese during
World War II.
Capture and defense of Guadalcanal
Battle of Rennell Island
Consolidation of Solomon Islands
New Georgia Group Operation
Treasury-Bougainville Operation
Battle of Empress Augusta Bay
Bismark Archipelago Operation
Western Caroline Islands Operation
Leyte Operation
Battle of Surigao Straits
Luzon Operation
Lingayen Gulf Landing
Balikpapan - Borneo Operation
Anti - shipping sweep, East China and Yellow Seas
(Right Plaque)
U.S.S. Columbia
Dec. 1942 Aug. 1945
In Memory
Of those officers and men killed and missing in
World War II.
The following officers and men while serving
on board were killed in action.
[List of 44 names]
The following officers and men while serving
on board were reported missing in action.
[List of 16 names]
(Rear Left Panel)
Dedicated to perpetuate
the memory of the valiant
shipmates who served
aboard the Gallant ship.
U.S.S. Columbia CL-56.
Especially those killed in action
during World War II
Presented by:
USS Columbia CL-56 Association
April 20, 1991
[ List of Contributers]
(Rear Center Panel)
U.S.S. Columbia CL - 56
The "Gem" of the Ocean
Beam 65'-71/2"
Length 610'
Displacement 10,000 Tons
Draft 24'-5"
Rated Speed 33 Knots
Horsepower 100,000
Main Battery 12-6" 47 Caliber
Secondary Battery 12-5" 38 Caliber
Antiaircraft Batteries 40 MM
Antiaircraft Batteries 20 MM
Steamed Mileage 178, 023
Commissioned 29 July 1942
Decommissioned 30 Nov 1946
(Rear Right Panel)
29 July 1942 2 Sept. 1945
The Columbia is officially credited with the following:
Destruction of 27 planes
Assisting in the sinking of
1 Cruiser and 1 Destroyer
at the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay
and
2 Battleships, 1 Cruiser and 1 Destroyer
at the Battle of Surigao Straits
Awards
10 Battlestars
2 Navy Unit Citations
Marker is on Washington Street near Wayne Street, on the left when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
