Preserving "The Ship That Would Not Die"
Honoring Her Crew • Preserving Her History • Securing Her Future
"Laffey in Harm's Way," Tom W. Freeman, © 1996. Used with permission pending.
The USS Laffey Foundation exists to support the preservation, interpretation, and enduring legacy of USS Laffey (DD-724) and to honor the sailors who served aboard her.
Known forever as "The Ship That Would Not Die," Laffey survived one of the fiercest attacks of World War II and went on to serve the United States with distinction for decades.
Today, her story deserves not only to be remembered — but preserved.
Explore the remarkable history of USS Laffey, from World War II to Korea and beyond.
Learn the StoryHonor the men who served aboard Laffey and help preserve their memories for future generations.
Meet Her CrewHelp sustain the continuing mission to protect one of America's most important historic warships.
Support PreservationOff Okinawa, USS Laffey endured a devastating air assault.
Her crew fought through repeated attacks, fire, casualties, and severe damage — and saved their ship.
Thirty-two members of Laffey's crew were killed.
Their courage and sacrifice secured Laffey's place in history.
She survived.
And the world came to know her as:
"The Ship That Would Not Die"
Preservation Mission
USS Laffey is more than a historic ship.
She is a physical connection to the sailors who served aboard her and to the defining events they experienced.
Preservation requires constant attention to:
Preserving Laffey means preserving the stories of the people who served aboard her.
Learn About PreservationWe are inviting our inaugural supporters to become Plank Owners of the USS Laffey Foundation — a permanent honor rooted in naval tradition. A founding gift of $1,000 establishes you as a member of our founding crew, recognized in perpetuity as one of those who stood with us at the beginning.
Campaign closes April 16, 2027 — the anniversary of USS Laffey's legendary stand off Okinawa.
Permanent recognition as a member of the Foundation's founding crew.
Plank Owner recognition with additional distinction for leadership support.
Our highest inaugural recognition for extraordinary leadership support.
All gifts, at every level, support the USS Laffey Foundation's mission and are deeply appreciated.
"She would not die."
April 16, 1945 — USS Laffey (DD-724)
Our Purpose
The men who served aboard USS Laffey gave everything. We exist to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten — through stories, memorials, and living tribute.
Meet the CrewFrom Normandy to the Pacific, USS Laffey's history is one of the most remarkable in the annals of the United States Navy. We are committed to keeping it alive.
Read Her HistoryPreservation requires resources, dedication, and community. Your support ensures that future generations can stand on her deck and feel the weight of history.
Support the MissionBattle Log
April 16, 1945
Radar Picket Station No. 1, off Okinawa — part of Kikusui No. 2, the second mass kamikaze offensive of the Okinawa campaign.
The first aircraft appear. Laffey is on Radar Picket Station No. 1 — the most exposed position in the fleet. Commander Becton orders flank speed and evasive action.
Vals, Zeros, and Judys press attacks from multiple directions simultaneously — a deliberate tactic to divide Laffey's anti-aircraft fire. The first kamikaze strikes the aft 20mm gun mount.
More kamikazes hit. Bombs fall. Fires break out across the ship. Steering is damaged. Becton orders manual steering from the fantail — men working the rudder by hand under fire.
Asked whether to abandon ship, Commander Becton answers: 'I'll never abandon ship as long as a gun will fire.' The guns keep firing. Nine aircraft are shot down.
The last aircraft turns away. Six kamikaze strikes. Four bomb hits. 32 dead. More than 70 wounded. She is still afloat. She would not die.
The story of USS Laffey belongs to the sailors who served aboard her.
The Foundation seeks to preserve:
If you or a member of your family served aboard USS Laffey, we want to hear from you.
Every contribution supports the Foundation's mission to preserve USS Laffey, honor her crew, and carry her story forward.
Latest
Follow preservation updates, crew stories, historical discoveries, events, and Foundation news.
On April 16, 1945, USS Laffey survived 22 attacking aircraft, 6 kamikaze strikes, and 4 bomb hits in 80 minutes off Okinawa — the most intense kamikaze attack ever endured by a single American ship.
Read moreOn June 6, 1944, USS Laffey provided naval gunfire support during the Allied landings at Normandy — one of the defining moments of the Second World War and a chapter in her remarkable service record.
Read moreUSS Laffey has been open at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, SC since 1981. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986, she welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Read moreStay connected with preservation updates, historical stories, events, and Foundation news.
Receive updates on USS Laffey preservation, Foundation news, historical stories, and events.
Every contribution supports the Foundation's mission to preserve USS Laffey, honor her crew, and carry her story forward.
