Naval Historical Foundation

In the early months of World War II, the cruiser USS Houston was sunk off Java in a fierce night battle against an overwhelming Japanese force. Less than 400 men from her crew of more than 1000 sailors survived the tragic sinking, but met a harsh fate as prisoners of war.

Those few Houston veterans have formed a unique and lifelong bond. In November 2011, 3 survivors of the sinking, along with a 4th shipmate who transferred to another ship shortly before Houston went down, traveled to the National Museum of the United States Navy in Washington, DC, to dedicate a beautiful wood and glass case designed to house an impressive model of their beloved ship. Following the display case dedication, Houston veterans, families, and friends convened for a luncheon sponsored by the Naval Historical Foundation and the Surface Navy Association. After lunch, Foundation historian Dr. Dave Winkler co-chaired a panel with the 3 Houston veterans, where they shared their memories of the war with the gathered crowd. There were light moments, as the men recalled days ashore on liberty in the Pacific before the war. There were emotional recollections of the tragic sinking, and shocking recollections of the hardships endured as POWs. It was a powerful, memorable day for all involved – one of the many ways that the 85-year old Naval Historical Foundation preserves and commemorates our proud naval history, and helps educate Americans about the service and sacrifice of Navy men and women.

Our CVC code is 6959.

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