The recent discovery of a life preserver ring from the USS West Virginia, a ship sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on that fateful day. This artifact, marked "W. VA." and "1WB," is more than just a piece of naval equipment; it's a silent witness to the chaos, heroism, and tragedy of December 7th, 1941.

The West Virginia, moored along Battleship Row, was devastated by Japanese bombs and torpedoes. Among the casualties were sailors trapped within the ship, their lives tragically cut short. This life ring, one of two collected from the debris-filled harbor by a young Charles House Morgan, offers a tangible connection to the events of that day.

Morgan's account, featured in the Bellevue Intelligencer Newspaper, of retrieving the life rings from the "blood and oil-soaked waters" paints a vivid picture of the aftermath of the attack. The rings' journey since then has been remarkable. 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. After Mark's passing in 2017, his collection was auctioned again, and the ring sold for nearly half a million dollars. The winning bidder, Ken Kendrick, donated the ring to his alma mater, West Virginia University, where it now serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the ship's crew.

This life ring, the first of the two, was donated to the U.S. Navy humanitarian program, Project Handclasp, after its initial sale. It was then gifted to the current owner for fundraising purposes, continuing its legacy of service and remembrance.

This artifact proves the resilience of the human spirit. It was assigned to Whale Boat #1, a vessel that played a crucial role in rescue efforts during the attack. The whaleboats, often used in friendly racing competitions between battleship crews, symbolize the camaraderie and spirit that existed within the Navy. The West Virginia's victory in the last Battenberg Cup race in 1940 adds another layer of significance to this artifact.

The life ring serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who served on the USS West Virginia and all those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor. It is a symbol of hope and resilience, a tangible link to a pivotal moment in American history.

The discovery of this life ring is a reminder that the echoes of Pearl Harbor still resonate today. It is a call to remember the sacrifices made, to honor the fallen, and to never forget the lessons of that day. The life ring's silent testimony speaks volumes about the enduring spirit of those who served and the importance of preserving their legacy for future generations.

Register and bid on a lifesaving relic that's truly a war hero.