Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On November 9, 1944, the SS Red Oak Victory was launched to honor the sacrifice made by the small Iowa community. During World War II the town suffered the highest number of casualties per capita.
Starting in February 1941, many southwestern Iowans served with the 168th regiment in the European-African-Mediterranian Theater. Company M, composed mainly of men from Red Oak, saw action in Tunisia in early 1943. As combined, American and French forces clashed with Germany’s vaunted commander, General Rommel. Company F found themselves surrounded behind enemy lines; under the command of Major Robert Moore, about half managed to get through to American lines. During the conflict, in one day, Red Oak received 27 telegrams informing families of loved ones either “killed in action” or “missing in action”. On March 6, 1943, more than 100 telegrams arrived with the news of soldiers missing in action. In April, official reports confirmed that 27 had been taken prisoner at Faid Pass.
To honor the sacrifice of the small southwestern Iowa town, the Navy dedicated the USS Red Oak Victory in November of 1944. Initially launched from the Kaiser Shipyards, the SS Red Oak Victory saw service during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. She was the only ship operated by both military and civilian personnel throughout her service. Decommissioned in 1946, the ship went on to serve as a transport ship for the Luckenbach Steamship Company and for American Mail Lines before retiring from service in 1968.
Saved from the scrap heat in 1996 by congressional action, the Richmond Museum of History in Richmond, California, gained ownership of the boat. The mayor of Red Oak, Iowa, joined 400 other passengers and dignitaries during this voyage. They were met by a brass band, hundreds of well-wishers and veterans. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar
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