Fleet in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
USS Cole DDG 67
"Determined Warrior"
Photographed By Melvin Williams, Sr., MSCM(SS), U.S. Navy, Ret., February 09
1. USS Cole Marker
[Rendering of the guided missile destroyer USS COLE]
At 1118 on the morning of October 12, 2000, as USS COLE (DDG 67) was refueling in Aden Harbor, Yemen, suicide bombers detonated an explosive-laden boat directly against the port side of the ship. The resulting blast killed 17 Sailors, wounded 37 others, and tore a hole forty by sixty feet in the ship's hull. In the aftermath of the explosion, the crew of USS COLE fought tirelessly to free shipmates trapped by the twisted wreckage and limit flooding that threatened to sink their ship. The crew's prompt actions to isolate damaged electrical systems and contain fuel oil ruptures prevented catastrophic fires that could have engulfed the ship and cost the lives of countless men and women. Skillful first aid and advanced medical treatment applied by the crew prevented additional death and eased the suffering of many others. Drawing upon their Navy training and discipline, the crew heroically conducted more than 96 hours of sustained damage control in conditions of extreme heat and stress. Deprived of sleep, food and shelter, they vigilantly battled to preserve a secure perimeter and restore stability to engineering systems that were vital to the ship's survival. As a permanent symbol of that strength and resolve, steel from the ship's damaged hull is forged into this plaque.
this page online
Dedicated October 12, 2001.
Erected 2001.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Military • Notable Events • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is October 12, 2000.
Location. 36° 57.316′ N, 76° 18.872′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in Fleet. Marker can be reached from Hughes Drive, 0.2 miles east of Maryland Avenue, on the left when traveling east. The marker is north of the Naval Station golf course between Hughes Drive and Willoughby Bay, at the west end of the brick pathway leading from its parking area to the USS COLE Memorial. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norfolk VA 23511, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. USS Cole (DDG 67) Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginia and Monitor (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Birthplace of Naval Aviation (about 700 feet away); We remember turret two ... (about 700 feet away); Naval Air Station Norfolk (approx. 0.4 miles away); Navy Mess Attendant School (approx.
Photographed By Melvin Williams, Sr., MSCM(SS), U.S. Navy, Ret., February 09
2. USS Cole Marker
More about this marker. To visit, enter the U.S. Naval Station via Gate Two from Hampton Blvd/VA Rte. 337. Obtain visitor/vehicle passes as required, and follow Maryland Ave (i.e. the extension of Hampton Blvd inside the base) to its end. Turn east on Hughes Drive to the Cole Memorial parking area.
Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia entry for the USS Cole Bombing. (Submitted on February 19, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. Wikipedia entry for the USS Cole (DDG-67). (Submitted on February 19, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. Al Qaeda; Global War on Terror.
Photographed By Kevin W., July 18, 2010
3. USS Cole DDG 67 Marker
Photographed By Kevin W., July 18, 2010
4. USS Cole DDG 67 Marker
Ground broken July 21, 2001 and and rough grading memorial site completed by Naval Construction Battalion Unit 411.
Photographed By Kevin W., July 18, 2010
5. USS Cole DDG 67 Marker
Landscape architect John Blackburn, CLA,
Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic Division
Photographed By Don Morfe, April 26, 2004
6. USS Cole DDG 67 Marker
Darrell Cole grave marker, namesake of the USS Cole. He is buried Parkview Cemetery, Farmington MO. The grave GPS N37.8047 W90.4444.
His Medal of Honor Citation:*COLE, DARRELL SAMUEL
• Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
• Entered service at. Esther, Mo.
• Other Navy award: Bronze Star Medal
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as leader of a Machinegun Section of Company B, 1st Battalion, 23d Marines, 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Assailed by a tremendous volume of small-arms, mortar and artillery fire as he advanced with 1 squad of his section in the initial assault wave, Sgt. Cole boldly led his men up the sloping beach toward Airfield No. 1 despite the blanketing curtain of flying shrapnel and, personally destroying with hand grenades 2 hostile emplacements which menaced the progress of his unit, continued to move forward until a merciless barrage of fire emanating from 3 Japanese pillboxes halted the advance. Instantly placing his 1 remaining machinegun in action, he delivered a shattering fusillade and succeeded in silencing the nearest and most threatening emplacement before his weapon jammed and the enemy, reopening fire with knee mortars and grenades, pinned down his unit for the second time. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation and evolving a daring plan of counterattack, Sgt. Cole, armed solely with a pistol and 1 grenade, coolly advanced alone to the hostile pillboxes. Hurling his 1 grenade at the enemy in sudden, swift attack, he quickly withdrew, returned to his own lines for additional grenades and again advanced, attacked, and withdrew. With enemy guns still active, he ran the gauntlet of slashing fire a third time to complete the total destruction of the Japanese strong point and the annihilation of the defending garrison in this final assault. Although instantly killed by an enemy grenade as he returned to his squad, Sgt. Cole had eliminated a formidable Japanese position, thereby enabling his company to storm the remaining fortifications, continue the advance, and seize the objective. By his dauntless initiative, unfaltering courage, and indomitable determination during a critical period of action, Sgt. Cole served as an inspiration to his comrades, and his stouthearted leadership in the face of almost certain death sustained and enhanced the highest tradition of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 15, 2009
7. USS Cole DDG 67 Marker
Photo of Darrell Cole is shown in the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego CA
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,506 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on January 11, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 18, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on July 18, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 5. submitted on July 19, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 6, 7. submitted on December 23, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
