This memorial honors the 4,601 missing American servicemen who lost their lives in the Atlantic Ocean while engaged in combat during World War II. Most of them died during the Battle of the Atlantic where the Allies were trying to protect their shipping lanes from the Germans. The monument consists of a large, paved plaza punctuated by eight massive 19-foot tall gray granite pylons (four each on the southern and northern sides) facing the Statue of Liberty onto which are inscribed the names, rank, organization and state of each of the deceased. On the eastern side of the plaza a monumental bronze eagle, sculpted by Albino Manca and set on a pedestal of polished black granite, grips a laurel wreath over a wave--signifying the act of mourning at the watery grave.
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