While the basketball program is a sinking ship, I'd like to focus your attention in a different direction. It may be old news to others, but I had no idea there was a ship named after MSD. Anyways, thought I'd pass it along in case others were interested.
A VC2-S-AP2, was named the SS Wake Forest Victory. Below are a few key points of her history a couple pics and links.
Wake Forest Museum Link of WF in WWII
Wake Forest Magazine article, about halfway down
Moar information on pg 7 of the Winter 2015 Wake Forest Magazine
A VC2-S-AP2, was named the SS Wake Forest Victory. Below are a few key points of her history a couple pics and links.
- Built in 1945, launched from the Permanente/Kaiser Yard in Richmond California in 27 days. At the time, the fastest built Victory ship in the US Navy.
- One of 272 built with that designation, and one of 40 ships named after the 40 oldest colleges/university in the US at the time.
- Wake Forest College sent books for the ships library, and also 16 pin-ups of the prettiest co-eds as voted on by the students. Any relatives to Ruth Blount Fentress on ogboards?
- Ruth and her husband, John Fentress established a scholarship for needy students.
- Served in the Pacific Theater of WWII, as well as the Korean War.
- Was de-commissioned and moored in New Orleans, where Hurricane Betsy damaged her beyond repair in 1965. She was later sent for scrap in 1972.
- Her flag is currently kept in the bowels of the Z. Smith Reynolds Library.
Wake Forest Museum Link of WF in WWII
Wake Forest Magazine article, about halfway down
Moar information on pg 7 of the Winter 2015 Wake Forest Magazine