Roll of Honor

Following World War II, each state produced lists of casualties and those missing during the war. The lists are available online from the National Archives and Records Administration.

Only a few years after the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA arrived in Wilmington, NC, an exhibit was installed honoring the 11,081 Tar Heels who died for their country in World War II.

The names were from the State Summary of War Casualties, North Carolina, US Navy 1946 and World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing, State of North Carolina, War Department, June 1946. The list was also sent to county officials, public newspapers, veteran organizations and so forth asking for the public’s help to identify any missing names.

The Roll of Honor exhibit is currently on display inside the Main Deck. You may also explore our searchable database by name or county.

August 24, 1942, Strafing during Battle of the Eastern Solomons:

‒ George E. Conlon

September 15, 1942, Torpedo hit, bow port side:

‒ Albert Speers Geary (washed overboard)
‒ Oscar Callaway Stone
‒ Ingwald Nels Nelson
‒ William Osborne Skelton
‒ Leonard Edward Pone

(The torpedo attack victims were buried in the Army Cemetery on the island of Tongatabu.)

April 6, 1945, Kingfisher recovery accident:

‒ Eldon Emmet Means

April 6, 1945, Friendly Fire, hit on director #5, port side:

‒ Edward Emil Brenn
‒ John Malcolm Watson
‒ Carl Elmer Karam Jr.

(They were buried at sea.)