Warship monument vandalized in Portland

PORTLAND – A Portland monument honoring a decorated warship that survived a Japanese torpedo attack in World War II has come under attack again, this time by vandals.

Vandals marked up the monument to the USS Portland, which features part of the warship’s mainmast and bridge shield. They drew swastikas on it and left several references to Hitler.

The USS Portland withstood attacks in several battles in the Pacific, including Coral Sea, Midway and Guadalcanal. Despite being torpedoed in 1942, it continued to fight even though a damaged rudder caused it to steam in circles in the Fourth Battle of Savo Island.

VFW Commander Mark Reilly said the vandals don’t appreciate the effort and sacrifice the veterans on the USS Portland went through during the war.