Basil C. Pearce, Jr./U.S.S. Tang Memorial
Veterans Memorial Fountain & Plaza
Palatka, Florida
Putnam County
This site is located in the Northeast region of the state.
DIRECTIONS
The Basil C. Pearce, Jr./U.S.S Tang Memorial is located in Frank Godwin Park, adjacent to the Veteran's Memorial Fountain. To reach the park area, turn south from US17/CR100 on Second Street, then left on St. Johns Avenue to the park.
This striking memorial consists of a WWII torpedo positioned horizontally on a brick base. Dedicated by the Basil Pearce Chapter of U.S. Submarine Veterans of WW2, this site pays tribute to the U.S.S.Tang, Ensign Basil C. Pearce, Jr. of Palatka, and those submariners “Still on Patrol.” Ensign Pearce died on October 24, 1944, when the Tang sank after being struck by one of her own torpedos. Described as the most successful submarine of WWII with thirty-three kills, only nine of her crew survived the sinking. Basil C. Pearce Sr. served Florida as a State Senator.
LINK:
USS TANG SS-306
http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/08306.htm
