Just in time for the Fourth of July, a touching artifact from the USS West Virginia – a ship that endured the horrors of Pearl Harbor – has surfaced, igniting a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices that forged our nation's resilience.

This isn't just any artifact; it's a life preserver ring bearing the markings "W. VA." and "1WB." This ring demonstrates a piece of American valor, and sits as a silent hero from the infamous day on December 7th, 1941 that shook our nation to its core – but yet, is defined by heroism and an unyielding fighting spirit.

The USS West Virginia, moored along Battleship Row – was devastated in the attack, yet her story is one of defiance. Sailors trapped within fought valiantly, and this life ring, plucked from the oil-slicked waters by a young Charles House Morgan, offers a tangible connection to their courage.

Morgan's account in the Bellevue Intelligencer prior to his death in 2005, paints a vivid picture of the aftermath, a testament to the human cost of war. He later retrieved the life rings from the "blood and oil-soaked waters."

The life ring's journey since then is a tale of its own, passing through auctions and collections, ultimately finding its way back to the public eye.

In 2009, both rings were sold through Philip Weiss Auctions. The second ring was purchased by Oregon real-estate developer, Melvin Mark Jr. and was part of an exhibit of World War II memorabilia in association with the Oregon Historical Society. Mark passed away in 2017 and his collection was sold at auction again, where the ring achieved a price of nearly half a million dollars.

The winning bidder was Ken Kendrick, who subsequently donated the ring to his alma mater, West Virginia University. After this first ring was purchased from Weiss Auctions in 2009, it was donated to the U.S. Navy humanitarian program, Project Handclasp, where it was then gifted to the current owner for fundraising purposes.

Why does the USS West Virginia hold such significance? She was more than just a ship; she was a symbol of American might, her crew embodying the spirit of a nation that would not be broken. Her resurrection from the depths of Pearl Harbor mirrors the resilience of the United States itself.

This life ring, assigned to Whale Boat #1, speaks to the camaraderie that existed within the Navy. These boats, used in friendly competitions, were a microcosm of the bonds forged in service. The West Virginia's victory in the last Battenberg Cup race in 1940 adds another layer of poignancy to this artifact.

As we celebrate Independence Day, this life ring serves as a stark reminder of the price of freedom. It's a call to honor the fallen, to remember the sacrifices made, and to cherish the liberty that was so dearly bought.

The USS West Virginia's legacy is one of triumph over adversity, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who serve. This life ring, a tangible piece of history, invites us to reflect on the events that shaped our nation and to never forget the heroes who made it possible.

Join us in honoring the legacy of the USS West Virginia and her crew by registering and bidding on this extraordinary artifact. Own a piece of history that echoes with the stories of heroism, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the American people.