On April 23, 1945, the USS Eagle 56, a Navy patrol vessel, was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine off the coast of Cape Elizabeth. Forty-nine sailors lost their lives in the incident while thirteen were rescued. The U.S. Navy will host a wreath-laying ceremony at Fort Williams Park to honor this tragic event on May 7th, two weeks before Germany’s surrender on May 7th, and just before Japan’s surrender on September 2nd, marking the official end of World War II.
The memorial plaque for the USS Eagle is located on the south side of the Portland Head Light driveway, where it was dedicated in 2020 to honor and remember those who perished when the ship sank. This ceremony serves as a commemoration of this tragic event and a way to remember those who gave their lives in service to their country.
