USS Laffey (DD-724) Okinawa Flag

Object/Artifact

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Name/Title

Description

A 48-star US flag flown aboard USS Laffey (DD-724) in combat off Okinawa. The fly end is damaged from wear and time.

Use

Flown to indicate the country of origin of the ship flying the flag.

Context

Flown by destroyer USS Laffey (DD-724) in combat off Okinawa. While operating as a part of radar picket station 1, the Laffey was attacked by 22 Japanese bombers and Kamikaze. 32 crewmembers aboard the USS Laffey were killed and 71 wounded out of a 336-man crew. The crew shot down 9 Japanese aircraft and saved the damaged ship earning Laffey the nickname: "The Ship That Would Not Die."

Collection

USS LAFFEY DD724

Acquisition

Accession

1976.00012

Source or Donor

USS Laffey Association

Acquisition Method

Gift

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Dettra Flag Company, Inc.

Date made

1943 - 1944

Update Date

May 21, 2025