02/23/2024
USS Chicago Base, USSVI is currently raising funds for another memorial dedicated to World War Two submarines. The purpose of the memorial will be to honor the memory of the 28 submarines built during World War Two by the Manitowoc, WI Shipbuilding Co. These submarines were built in Manitowoc, tested on Lake Michigan, and when ready for service they transited the Chicago River, the Sanitary and Ship Canal, the Des Plaines River, the Illinois River, and finally the Mississippi River, on their way to New Orleans. Because of the shallow river depths and the draft of the submarines, a special barge was required to carry these submarines from Lockport, IL to New Orleans. At New Orleans the masts that were previously removed were installed, and weapons, stores, and fuel were loaded. The submarines crew then took their boat to the Pacific Theater via the Panama Canal. Four of these submarines were lost during the war with all hands. USS Chicago Base has been directly involved with placement of three other memorials for this purpose. The first memorial is in Chicago on the Riverwalk. The second is in Morris, IL on the I&M Canal. The third is in Joliet, IL on the Des Plaines River. The fourth memorial is planned for placement in Ottawa, IL. The proposed location is Allen Park on the south side of the Illinois River. Donations to our cause may be made online at this website. https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjAzNzc1.
Thank you. USS Chicago Base, USSVI.
Check out Manitowoc Submarines Memorial by United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation!