South Carolina Relic Room receives artifacts from USS Columbia

November 7, 1:27 PMColumbia History ExaminerDouglas Steimle

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The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum recently received several new artifacts associated with the USS Columbia, a warship that served with distinction during World War II. The ship was namked for our city. The artifacts were given to the museum in connection with a reunion the crew of the ship held here in mid-October.(Postcard of USS Columbia from Relic Room Website)

The most prominent artifact was a large flag that flew on the ship and was given to the University of South Carolina in 1946. Since then it was framed and hung in the Old Field House on the University Horseshoe. The University NROTC unit presented the flag to the museum.

Other objects associated with the ship were given by Daniel Curts, the son of the Columbia’s captain, Admiral Maurice Curts. Included in this collection were Admiral Curts’s personal flag, presented in a shadow box with a history of the ship, a pennant that flew from the ship’s mast and an etching of the ship by John Taylor Arms.

A model of the ship was also refurbished and put on display with a new high-tech display case featuring 5 narrated spotlights which highlighted kamikaze attacks on the ship, anti-aircraft guns and a scout plane. The model is now on permanent display at the museum.

In late October 1944, the Columbia took part in the largest naval battle in history, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. . In that battle, the Columbia is officially credited with assisting in the sinking of two enemy battleships, one cruiser and one destroyer. In early January, 1945, The Columbia was attacked by kamikaze suicide planes. 37 were killed and 142 were wounded in two separate attacks. Despite the casualties and damage, the ship’s crew repaired it and it continued to support the invasion force. The Columbia received a Navy Unit Commendation for its success in saving the ship and continuing its mission. The Columbia received 10 battle stars for its service in World War II.

The museum is located at 301 Gervais Street in the same building as the South Carolina State Museum.

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