Missouri sailed from Pearl Harbor for Sasebo, Japan. Steaming about 10,000 miles, Missouri joined United Nations Forces west of Kyushu, Japan, becoming flagship of Rear Admiral A. E. Smith.
The first American battleship to reach Korean waters, Missouri bombarded Samchok, in a diversionary move coordinated with the Inchon landings. United Nations forces made an amphibious landing at Inchon, Korea, and began their drive toward Seoul. The 1st and 5th Marines fight their way to the Korean Capitol of Seoul after securing Inchon. This is also POW-MIA Recognition Day.
In company with cruiser Helena and two destroyers, Big Mo helped prepare the way for the Eighth Army offensive, by bombardment at Pohang area. Missouri demonstrate, once again, the power of her 16 inch guns. She reached far beyond the coast destroying rail bridges, rolling stock, warehouses, tank and troop concentrations. Her 16 inch projectiles enabled South Korean soldiers to cross the river and capture the town before pressing on towards Yongdok. Missouri also assisted at Inchon, where she furnished gunfire support to the landing and advanced Tenth Corps troops.
Two North Korean YAK-3 aircraft bomb USS Rochester; 15 die, but the planes are downed by HMS Jamaica. Liberation of Seoul South Korea by Allied forces begins.
Omar Bradley was promoted to the rank of five star general, joining an elite group that included Dwight Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, George Marshall and Henry “Hap” Arnold.
United Nation troops recaptured the South Korean capital of Seoul from the North Koreans. General Douglas MacArthur handed over the city of Seoul to President Syngman Rhee of the Republic of Korea. Missouri’s Commanding Officer, Captain Irving T. Duke, USN, participated in the triumphant march into Seoul
Missouri Joins United Nations Forces in Kyushu, Japan
Thursday 9/19
Check-in time is 3:00 PM or later, but the Hospitality Room will be open and manned at 1:30 PM. Please come to the Hospitality Room upon arrival to check in with the USS Missouri host to receive everything you will need for the reunion. If your room is not ready when you arrive, you may store your luggage in the Hospitality Room until it is ready. The evening meal will be on our own, but there will be shipmates who can give you directions to area restaurants. The Hospitality Room will be open that evening until midnight for your enjoyment
Friday 9/20
We are working to get a ride to the Capital to view the model of USS Missouri BB-63. We may also potentially be able to meet
with the Governor while we are there. The hospitality room will be open. The auction begins at 7:00 PM of special items. Prior to that will be an opportunity for you to bring your cruise book or any other special items from USS Missouri that you think others would like to see. Please respect all memorabilia, for it belongs to one of your shipmates. This will be from 8:00 – 9:00 PM.
Saturday Morning 9/21
The Association Executive Committee will meet at 9:00 AM, followed by the General Business meeting at 10:00 AM. Everyone is encouraged to attend the General meeting. We will vote on the locations for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 reunions. Only members can vote, so make sure to pay your dues before Saturday. If you have any questions about either meeting or Plan of the Day please
contact Jerry Miller or Larry Geyer. The Hospitality Room will be open from 12:00 noon until 4:30 PM.
Saturday Evening 9/21
The Banquet Room will open at 6:00 PM with a cash bar. All shipmates are encouraged to attend. This is your opportunity to dress up and have your photo taken. Dress will be semi-formal (west coast.) At 6:30 PM, all will take their seat and the Memorial Services will commence.
Directly following the Memorial Services, the meal will be served. There will be recognition of some of our
shipmates following the meal. The banquet will end around 9:30 PM. Once the banquet is complete, we will
move to the Hospitality Room.
Sunday 9/22
Breakfast for Missouri hotel guest and say our farewells… until next reunion.
Three things you need to do to attend the reunion:
Be a member of the Association. Click here to pay your dues online or at the reunion.
Register for the reunion online!
Or, print and fill out this form, write a check and send it to:
Jerry Miller • 205 Hollis St. • Bono, AR 72416
Reserve your room at Capital Plaza: (573) 635-1234
The deadline for hotel reservations is August 19.
Thanks to all our shipmates in advance, for making this a great reunion!