USS Iowa BB4 Battleship (the original, Spanish American War)

[Unique_Carpenter]

Things to think about on Memorial Day.
During the blockade of Cuba, she killed three Spanish Cruisers (including the flagship) and received partial credit for killing two Destroyers, at the (sea) Battle of Santiago in early July of 1898, with one of the crew receiving the Medal of Honor. This was literally the destruction of the Western Spanish Fleet, a couple days after American forces captured San Juan Hill(s). Spain surrendered shortly thereafter. This is late 19th century sea warfare, the in your face, heavy shells slugfest, that Is not seen anymore, which included rescuing Spanish sailors out of shark infested waters, capturing the Spanish Admiral, with a captured Spanish Captain offering his sword in surrender.
Launched in 1896 (just before the war), she was the largest US Battleship at the time. Interesting that Admiral Spruance, who, early in his Naval career served on the Iowa in the early 1900s, later commanded US Naval Forces during the Battle of Midway, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea, both decisive victories against Japan.

[DallasRain]

cool post!! thanks for sharing!!

[JennaKae]

Originally Posted by Unique_Carpenter

Things to think about on Memorial Day.
During the blockade of Cuba, she killed three Spanish Cruisers (including the flagship) and received partial credit for killing two Destroyers, at the (sea) Battle of Santiago in early July of 1898, with one of the crew receiving the Medal of Honor. This was literally the destruction of the Western Spanish Fleet, a couple days after American forces captured San Juan Hill(s). Spain surrendered shortly thereafter. This is late 19th century sea warfare, the in your face, heavy shells slugfest, that Is not seen anymore, which included rescuing Spanish sailors out of shark infested waters, capturing the Spanish Admiral, with a captured Spanish Captain offering his sword in surrender.
Launched in 1896 (just before the war), she was the largest US Battleship at the time. Interesting that Admiral Spruance, who, early in his Naval career served on the Iowa in the early 1900s, later commanded US Naval Forces during the Battle of Midway, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea, both decisive victories against Japan.

Nice read. Glad you shared.
peace...J