The Fighting Saint, USS Saint Paul (CA-73), a Baltimore class heavy cruiser, was launched in Quincy, MA on September 16, 1944. Serving over 26 years of continuous service and earning 18 battle stars, The Fighting Saint fired the final rounds of World War II August 9, 1945, as well as the final rounds of the Korean War on July 27, 1953, then going on to have a record of 5 deployments to Vietnam. The USS Saint Paul was decommissioned in Bremerton, WA on April 30, 1971, During those 26 years, the ship was home to thousands of shipmates. in 1984, two of those shipmates began the USS Saint Paul Association to connect those shipmates, and to share and to honor the incredible history of The Fighting Saint. Now, more than 1,200 shipmates have come together to do just that. As the association begins preparations for the final years of this group, with a final reunion planned for 2027, the association would like our last efforts to be directed to the same that brought us all together- commemorating the rich history and legacy of our great ship. We ask for your support toward making a permanent memorial. The USS Saint Paul Association is a non-profit 501(c)(19) veteran organization, and donations are deductible
| Memorial Fund Goal1%
Goal:
$250,000.00
Collected:
$1,400.00
|
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
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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