"For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one." - Khalil Gibran She sits on a hill on Lands End in San Francisco... ..a humbling reminder of the perils of war. The generation of WWII are considered by many the greatest American generation in modern times. Imagine the generation that brought Hitler and the fanatical Nazi party to their knees, defeated the once invincible Evil Empire of Japan, and built the best automobiles to ever have roamed the roads. And we haven't even touched the Banana Splits, Soda Floats, A-line Skirts, & Drive-In's of the day! The 1940's was well before my time, but I'm a historian by trade and old soul, and at times feel it was my era. Men opening doors for women, respect for our elders, the Delahaye Teardrop Coupe, and the King of Swing! Yet, with all my imaginary feel good memories of this bygone era... I do not find anything glamorous about those that died in WWII. The USS SAN FRANCISCO Memorial is a reminder of the sacrifice this generation made for us. The battle scars on her war-torn body resonates with suffering, yet with all the twisted metal, she still retains honor, service, duty, and American pride. The USS SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38) was commissioned in 1934 and became legendary during WWII, 1941-1945, earning 17 Battle Stars. She would become one of the most decorated navy ships, ever! Those that served on her earned the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism, gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps. The USS SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38) was a Heavy Cruiser that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 07, 1941. During the great Battle of Guadalcanal of 1942, nearly 100 sailors or marines died, over 100 were injured, and 5 were lost at sea. She was hit 45 times, yet managed to survive one of the greatest battles in American history! In the WWII years that followed The USS SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38) continued in many historic battles. She was repaired numerous times and continued to be on the front line in the Pacific up until the surrender of the Empire of Japan! Today, the spirit of this legendary ship can be seen at The USS SAN FRANCISCO Memorial located at Lands End in San Francisco. The memorial is set around the bridge wings extensively damaged from the great Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. It's a simple, yet powerful tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom! In the end, I recommend The USS SAN FRANCISCO Memorial. It might not be for everyone, as some may see it as a heap of old metal. I see it as America's soul, a time when our grandparents or great grandparents became the greatest American generation in modern times! Always in my heart! read more

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A stop near lands end and the cliff house restaurant. It has the parts from the ship at a nice memorial. read more

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Located just above Lands End parking lot and below the VA Hospital is the USS San Francisco Memorial. It's on the North West section of the parking lot that overlooks the bay and coastal trail. USS San Francisco was a New Orleans-class cruiser that was built in Vallejo's Mare Island, and commissioned on February 10, 1934 and was in service until she was decommissioned exactly 12 years later in 1946 just after the war. Her bridge wings that were damaged in WWII were removed while it was under repair and are now a part of the memorial. Established in 2005, it is dedicated to the 100 U.S. Navy Sailors and 7 Marines that lost their lives on November 1942 during the battle of Guadalcanal. During her active duty, she earned 17 battle stars that included the following: * Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941) * Battle of Coral Sea Operations (May 8, 1942) * Guadalcanal - Tulagi Landings (August 7-9, 1942) * Battle of Cape Esparance at Savo Island (October 12, 1942) * Capture and Defense of Guadalcanal (November 4&12, 1942) * Naval Battle of Guadalcanal (November 12-13, 1942) * Aleutian Operation (May 11 - June 1943) * Pacific Raids of Wake Island (October 5-6, 1943) * Gilbert Islands Operations (November 20 - December 4, 1943) * Marshall Islands Operations Kwajalein & Majuro Atolls (January 31 - February 8, 1944) * Asiatic - Pacific Raids - Palua, Yap, Ulithi, Woleai, Truk, Salawan, Pomape (February - April 1944) * Western New Guinea Operations (April 21-24, 1944) * Marianas Operations - Assault and Occupation of Saipan, Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944) * Assault and Occupation of Guam (July 1944) * Leyte Operations: Luzon Attacks (December 14-16, 1944 *Support Operations, Third Fleet Attacks Formosa, Luzon, China, Nansei, Shoto (January 1945) Aside from these awards, she also received a Presidential Unit Citation, making her the third most decorated U.S. naval ship during WWII. Instead of a statue, the original bridge wings that were damaged were used for the memorial to convey the impact of the war. Seeing the gaping holes and battle scars that you can actually feel with your hands is more powerful than a statue being erected on her behalf. Most people that visit this area would probably just pass by this memorial and pay it no mind as I've witnessed happen on numerous occasions. But this is a part of San Francisco and Bay Area history that we must pay respect to as she served her country bravely. The battle of Guadalcanal was one of the main turning points of WWII, and she played an integral part on winning the war. She stands as a reminder of the greatest sacrifice from 107 brave men gave to this country. It's fitting that she's facing the Pacific Ocean towards the west where all of her battles took place. Whether on a wind-swept, rainy, foggy, misty or scorching day, this memorial stands with pride as her stories permanently etched on plaques will never be forgotten. read more

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The Pacific Naval Campaign in 1942 and 1943 is not nearly as well known or understood among the general public (or even reasonably competent History Buffs) as the European Theater of Operations. Short Story: Pearl Harbor happens. We all know that part. By Summer of 1942, the United States scored a big victory at Midway. All of a sudden, the tide turns and Japan is on the defensive. The Guadalcanal Campaign took place from the Fall to early Spring of 1943, and was design to be the springboard for taking the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and then the islands needed to retake the Philippines and also to attack Japan directly. This began with the Marine Invasion of Guadalcanal, gaining a foothold and Henderson Airfield. The strategic importance is hard to overstate. Flash ahead to November 13th. Japan needed to retake Guadalcanal and this could have been a turning point. They sent a major fleet of Naval vessels and it was in the pitch of night. The American group of Cruisers and Destroyers intercepted in the darkness. All hell broke lose. This is incredibly important because it is the one true ship to ship engagement of battle groups. The rest comes directly from the plaque: "On November 12th, near Guadalcanal, a damaged enemy plane crashed into the USS San Francisco destroying the Aft Control Station and killing and wounding 51 men. With a crippled flagship, RADM Daniel Callaghan bravely prepared his task force for this imminent battle. Overheard on the bridge was the comment, "But this is Suicide." RADM Callaghan, cool, calm and resolute replied - "Yes, I know. But we've got to do it!" 14 Japanese Ships (including two Battleships) vs. 13 American Ships in the dead of night. In the end, 6000 men died combined, including Rear Admiral Daniel Callaghan. This was the only time in the war that a US Admiral was killed in action. There was also a second named Norman Scott on the USS Atlanta. Suffice it to say, this was a pivotal moment and the USS San Francisco played a major role. I visit this site with respect. It's a beautiful setting and there is an actual piece of the USS San Francisco's Bridge with several helpful plaques. Take time to learn. Take time to imagine that night. The echoes are there. The damaged ship was repaired and it she had many more fights ahead in the next two years. It is April 2020 as I write this, so we are used to turbulent times. This is a spot to remember that we faces losses and make sacrifices, but we get through it and a better world emerges. read more

Today (on Memorial Day Sunday) my wifey's father was honored here, he was a Marine on the USS San Francisco Ca 38 in the battle of Guadalcanal (he was a Gunner that day shooting 20 mm rounds at attacking Fighter planes) I total over 37,000 men's lost their lives in this strategic battle also know as Iron bottom bay (because of pall the ships that sank there in battle) including an admiral. The memorial park is located at lands end just to the left of the parking lot where you can see a section of the ship that looks like Swiss cheese. As you walk just about 100 feet south of the memorial you can see The Golden gate perfectly and if you dare, you can envision the dilapidated USS San Francisco sailing back under it, on its way back home. Every year on memorial weekend (Sunday) they hold a service remembering all the men that died in the battle on the USS San Francisco. 100 Salors and 7 Marines that were also on the ship. At 11am. read more

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This memorial to the heroic efforts of the USS San Francisco is located at an outstanding viewing spot looking out at the Pacific Ocean and entrance to the Golden Gate. The ship fought valiantly at the beginning of the war and serving thoughout it. The memorial includes part of the super structure that has actual Japanese naval shell holes in it from the battle. There is a nice sized parking lot next to the memorial. The Lands End trail is very nearby if you are interested in a picturesque walk towards the bridge. I give 3 stars for this memorial as a place to visit while in SF. The location is more like a 5 star experience. read more

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Have you ever been at a party with a piñata? You're blindfolded swinging a stick at a sometimes-moving cartonería object filled with candy. After so many swings, you fall, still blindfolded, into turbulent water teeming with sharks and huge, whirling metal blades. Welcome to your First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. In the dark, close enough to crash into each other, and sudden was this hot and heavy whirlwind encounter. According to the plaque, it stands as the one and only naval surface engagement to see an American admiral fall to casualty. Not one but two gave their lives in this battle, one possibly by friendly fire. RIP. If the Kanrin Maru Monument is a bookmark of the fraternity between the US and Japan, the USS SF Memorial with its shell-blown ship parts is a visceral reminder of the opposite. Once you get to Geary & 48th and go by the Seal Rock Inn at Point Lobos Ave, one of your two options is to walk along the dirt Lands End Trail. It's scenic with intermittent views of the water, and it culminates in a vista with a staircase leading to the memorial site. The other path is to continue up 48th, which ever so briefly morphs into Bike Route 95 before becoming El Camino Del Mar to the memorial's adjacent parking lot. This course is decidedly more urban but also less winding and stairless. Everlasting honor and gratitude to all Americans who served in this battle, and condolences to friends and families of the deceased on all sides. read more

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My father fought at Guadalcanal- so imagine my surprise to come across this memorial on my beautiful walk from the Legion of Honor to the Cliff House. This monument is in a lovely place- and a beautiful monument to the men on the USS San Francisco. There are plaques which honor the marines who fought on this ship- and large placards explain the mission of the ship. Be sure to take a moment to stop and honor the brave men who fought in the Pacific. It's a lovely place to stop and think of them. What ever your politics, these men, often very young, did their best, according to their lights, to protect America. read more

I still wish more people would visit this memorial. Stop by while walking/hiking Land's end trail and learn a little about the ship and the horrors of the Battle of Guadalcanal read more

What a strange thing to review! Why on earth would I ever want to review a memorial? Well I'm not usually one to love history, but this particular memorial is quite moving. I got a little choked up just reading the story. It's a wonderful reminder to appreciate those who sacrificed their lives for our country. The actual memorial is not a grand sight but the tribute is worth reading. This is probably the only good thing about the Lands End Trail so definitely check it out if you are walking near there. read more

The USS San Francisco memorial is conveniently along the Land's End Coastal trail near the Sutro Baths side. I usually am not that into history but I'm glad I took the time to check out the memorial to read and learn about the battle and the bravery of the people for which the memorial is established. It's a riveting story and account that I would recommend. A needed reminder of those who fought and died for the life we can enjoy today. There's a dedicated parking lot for the memorial, which is probably a good place to find spots even if you just want to hike the trail. read more

My father served on the San Francisco during WW2. He lived to see the memorial and its dedication. He left me his war journal, which I treasure and will pass down to my nephew one day. The site is in a beautiful location overlooking the Pacific and the city, and the inlay of a compass pointing in the direction of Guadacanal, the holes in the bow of the ship makes it especially poignant. read more

This memorial to the USS San Francisco is a poignant reminder of WWII and the loss in the Battle of Guadalcanal. Located right at the beginning of the Lands End area, this memorial is on a lookout with great views to the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. Its in front of a parking lot as well as 0.3 mi from the Legion of Honor. read more

I wish more people would visit here. The views are nice, but more than that, they can honor the memory of those who served.

A very nice tribute to the folks that gave much for our freedoms. Great views from here and easy to stroll on down and enjoy the Land's End Trail nearby. read more

Beautiful views of the bay and GG Bridge...and they have motorcycle parking!