Memorial U.S.S. Juneau

The U.S.S. Juneau was torpedoed during the Naval Battle at Guadalcanal on 13 November 1942.

U.S.S. Juneau was torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-26 and exploded when its magazine was hit. 687 members of the crew died including 5 sons of Thomas and Alleta Sullivan from Iowa. George, Francis, Joseph , Madison and Albert had all enlisted on January 3 1942 and had insisted they served togethe. This led to the introduction of the 'sole survivor' rule, if any American family lost more than two sons, the remaining boys would be relieved from further combat duty and sent home.
Approximately 115 men survived the explosion but only 10 were rescued alive after 8 days in the water.

A Fletcher class destroyer was named in honour of the Sullivans and served in WW2 and the Korean War. She is now and exhibit in Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park

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