The USS SAINT PAUL ASSOCIATION was founded in 1984 and has welcomed some 3,600 shipmates as members. Currently we number 1,200 active members of which some 300 served on sister ships. With the ship being decommissioned in 1971 we are now an association of octogenarians with a goodly number of Korean conflict veterans, about two dozen WW11 veterans and several hundred Vietnam era veterans. From her launching in 1944 to the present day activities of our association, a span of 80 years, our veterans have represented Saint Paul and Minnesota with pride, dignity and professionalism. The argument to honor her at the state levels, however, rests with her historical accomplishments many of which have been mentioned on our home page introduction. A memorial to USS SAINT PAUL would be the only major memorial to a Baltimore Class Heavy Cruiser, a major element of our Nation’s security for some 3 decades. A historically valuable collection of ship artifacts, currently on display in Massachusetts, has been offered for display to the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum in Little Falls, Minnesota. We have established two funding approaches as outlined below. The first is for members and friends and suggests contribution levels for individuals. The second is intended for Minnesota Veteran posts and civic organizations with donation levels suggested for group participation. All donations will be well received and much appreciated. Should you be a resident of Minnesota please consider showing your support in written form with a letter addressed to our Vice President as outlined under “Sample Support Letter” found below. Thank you. The USS SAINT PAUL ASSOCIATION, Inc. is a non-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(19). Donations are tax deductible.
| Permanent Memorial Fund12%
Goal:
$250,000.00
Collected:
$28,987.00
|
Learn more about the USS Saint Paul's story by taking a virtual guided tour through the first curated ship's exhibit
Suggested Levels for Individual Participation
These levels of participation are intended for individuals and friends of the association. We welcome with great appreciation individual donations of any amount. Thank you!
.
Captain's Circle- $270
In tribute to the ship's 27 commanding officers
Battle Star Circle- $180
World War II 1 Battle Star
Korean Conflict 8 Battle Stars
Vietnam War 9 Battle Stars
Hungnam Evacuation Circle- $100
Honoring the 12 days and nights of firing to provide cover for one of the greatest evacuations by sea in history culminating on Christmas Eve 1950
Family Circle- $50
With thanks to the thousands of family members who supported and stood by the USS Saint Paul sailors
Continuous Service Circle- $26
In recognition of the 26 years (1945-1971) of continuous service, a Baltimore Class cruiser service record
Suggested Levels for Veteran Post Participation
While these levels of participation are intended for veteran posts and civic groups we welcome with great appreciation individual donations of any amount. We’re all participating to ensure USS SAINT PAUL is memorialized for the citizens of Minnesota and her many veterans. Thank you
.
Vice Admiral Roy Gano Circle- $10,000
Captain Roy A. Gano, of Pipestone, Minnesota, commanded the ship in 1952 during the Korean conflict and went on to become a highly decorated (2 Navy Crosses and 2 Legion of Merits) Vice Admiral before retiring in 1964.
Admiral John McCain Jr. Circle- $5,000
McCain was executive officer USS SAINT PAUL (1950) during the early stages of the Korean conflict. He retired as Admiral in 1972. Father of the Senator John S. McCain III, from Arizona.
Minnesota Veterans’ Post- $3,000
Honoring the 526 American Legion and 270 VFW posts in the state of Minnesota, serving veterans across the state.
In Harm’s Way- $2,000
Paramount Pictures featured USS SAINT PAUL in their 1964 acclaimed production “In Harm’s Way” starring John Wayne and Kirk Douglas.
Hank Koehler and Ike Alliger- $1,000
Founders and stalwart supporters of the USS SAINT PAUL Association
Other Ways to Support Our Mission
We would appreciate receiving a letter of support from your Post to help facilitate our desire to have the Memorial placed on the capitol grounds. Below is the text of a suggested letter of support. Please use it as a guide to demonstrate your Post’s support of our undertaking. Thank you!
Raise a Glass to the Memory of the USS Saint Paul
Introducing a special edition wine from Judd’s Hill Winery, crafted in honor of the USS SAINT PAUL Memorial Project. This limited-release wine supports the mission to create a lasting tribute on the Minnesota Capitol grounds, commemorating the legacy of the USS SAINT PAUL and its dedicated crew. A portion of proceeds from each bottle sold will contribute to the project’s fundraising goal, helping bring this meaningful vision to life by September 2027. Raise a glass and join us in honoring history, service, and sacrifice.
Choose from two unique label designs, each celebrating the spirit of the USS SAINT PAUL.
DESIGN 1 DESIGN 2