USS Cod Submarine Memorial, Cleveland (must see)

The USS Cod Submarine Memorial, located on the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, is a tribute to the sailors who served on this historic vessel during World War II. This National Historic Landmark features the USS Cod, a Gato-class fleet submarine that remains one of the best-preserved World War II submarines open to the public. What sets the USS Cod apart is its authenticity: visitors enter through the original hatches and descend ladders, as no modern staircases or doors have been added, preserving the submarine’s structural integrity and historical accuracy.

Launched on March 21, 1943, and commissioned on June 21, 1943, the 312-foot, 1,525-ton submarine is equipped with five diesel engines, all built in Cleveland, Ohio. Cod operated primarily out of Australian ports, completing seven war patrols in the Pacific. During these missions, she sank over 12 enemy vessels, totaling more than 37,000 tons, and damaged an additional 36,000 tons of enemy shipping, including the Japanese destroyer Karukaya. Cod’s service earned her a battle star for each of her patrols, but her legacy is also defined by her role in the only international submarine-to-submarine rescue in history. During her final war patrol in the South China Sea, Cod came to the aid of the grounded Dutch submarine O-19, rescuing 56 Dutch sailors before destroying the stranded vessel.

Today, the USS Cod offers self-guided tours that allow visitors to explore the submarine’s interior, marvel at its original equipment, and experience firsthand the conditions that crew members faced. Highlights include a fully restored Mark IV Torpedo Data Computer and a five-inch deck gun that can be rotated by guests and mock-fired by volunteers. On special occasions, the volunteer crew powers up Cod’s engines, giving visitors a rare opportunity to witness the machinery in action.

Docked permanently in Cleveland, the USS Cod Submarine Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by submarine crews during World War II, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and the general public alike.