The “Fighting Mary”: USS Maryland

The “Fighting Mary”: USS Maryland is a tale of heroism, resilience, and determination amidst one of the most pivotal moments in modern history. For the crew aboard the USS Maryland (BB-46), the quiet Sunday morning of December 7, 1941, transformed into a battlefield that etched their ship’s legacy into history.
With the sun climbing over Pearl Harbor, sailors were preparing for a day of relaxation. Some enjoyed breakfast, while others eagerly anticipated shore leave. Unbeknownst to them, a storm of warplanes was en route, set to redefine their peaceful morning and the world at large.

At precisely 7:55 a.m., the serenity of Battleship Row shattered as Japanese fighters and bombers launched their surprise attack. Initially, the USS Maryland wasn’t a primary target, with bombs and torpedoes aimed at neighboring ships. Explosions from nearby vessels sent shockwaves through the harbor, but panic didn’t take hold aboard the Maryland. Instead, her crew sprang into action, embodying the fighting spirit that would earn her the nickname “Fighting Mary.”

As the USS Oklahoma capsized beside her, the Maryland’s gunners unleashed a relentless anti-aircraft barrage. Sailors from the Oklahoma joined forces with the Maryland’s crew, bolstering the ship’s defenses. Despite their valiant efforts, the Maryland was not unscathed. Two armor-piercing bombs struck her hull, causing flooding. However, her crew’s determination kept her afloat, and the ship’s resilience allowed her to survive the onslaught.

The attack claimed the lives of two officers and two sailors aboard the Maryland. While the damage required repairs, the Fighting Mary became a symbol of survival and readiness. By June 1942, she returned to service with upgraded armaments, becoming the first Pearl Harbor battleship to rejoin the fight.

The USS Maryland’s first mission post-repairs was supporting American forces during the Battle of Midway. Though she remained in a reserve position to protect the western flank of Midway, her return signaled the resilience of the U.S. Navy.

The Maryland soon assumed a more active role as the flagship for Rear Admiral Harry W. Hill’s V Amphibious Force. During the invasion of the Gilbert Islands and the Battle of Tarawa, she demonstrated offensive might. Her crew decimated Japanese shore batteries and fortified positions, providing critical support for Marine landings. Drawing enemy fire, the Maryland helped pinpoint artillery emplacements, showcasing her crew’s courage under fire.

Throughout the Pacific Theater, the Fighting Mary and her crew contributed significantly to key victories. From the Battle of Kwajalein Atoll to the fierce combat at Okinawa, the Maryland’s guns roared in defense of freedom. As the war drew to a close, she stood as a testament to American resilience and naval ingenuity.

In 1946, the USS Maryland was directed to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Decommissioned in 1947, her proud service came to an end when she was sold for scrap in 1959. Though no longer afloat, the Fighting Mary’s legacy lives on in the annals of naval history.

The USS Maryland’s journey—from enduring the attack on Pearl Harbor to serving valiantly across the Pacific—epitomizes the unwavering courage of her crew. As one of the first ships to rise from the devastation of December 7, 1941, her story remains an enduring symbol of America’s strength and determination in the face of adversity.

If you visit Pearl Harbor today, take a moment to reflect on the bravery of the men who served aboard the Fighting Mary. Their sacrifices and heroics remind us of the indomitable human spirit that prevailed during one of history’s darkest chapters.