USS HOUSTON CA-30 SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION AND NEXT GENERATIONS

The purpose of the USS Houston CA30 Survivors Association and Next Generations™ is to perpetuate the memory of the USS Houston (CA-30) crew and her history.

During night action on February 28, 1942 in Sunda Strait with the HMAS Perth at her side, the USS Houston CA-30 steamed to her death in a desperate battle against an entire Japanese battle fleet. It was over by 12:40 am, March 1.

HOUSTON's fate was not known by the world for almost 9 months, and the full story of her courageous fight was not fully told until after the war was over and her survivors were liberated from prison camps. Captain Rooks received posthumously the Medal of Honor for this extraordinary heroism. In addition to two battle stars, HOUSTON was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

Of the 1,100 men onboard The Houston, 368 made it to shore, all of which were captured and spent 42 months as Japanese POW’s. Most of the survivors were taken to Thailand to build the infamous Thai-Burma Death Railway. Only 291 men survived captivity and made it home.

The Association is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes within the meaning of section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.