Last Battleship: The History, Heroes, and Legacy of the USS Missouri
In partnership with Wreaths Across America Radio, the Battleship Missouri Memorial proudly presents Last Battleship—a podcast series dedicated to preserving the legacy of the USS Missouri and the pivotal moments she witnessed throughout history.
From the end of World War II to her final decommissioning, the "Mighty Mo" served as a symbol of strength, sacrifice, and peace. This series brings her story to life through powerful oral histories, personal reflections, and rare insights from those connected to her storied past.
New episodes launch every Monday through September 2, 2025 offering listeners an intimate look at the people, events, and enduring legacy of one of America’s most iconic battleships.
Join us as we honor the legacy of the USS Missouri, a ship that helped shape the course of history.
Listen below to "Last Battleship: The History, Heroes, and Legacy of the USS Missouri”
S2cRM Donald R. Fosburg
September 2, 1926 - February 12, 2022
Donald R. Fosburg, known to his shipmates as Don, proudly served aboard the Battleship USS Missouri from 1945 to 1946 as a Seaman Second Class Radioman in the CR Division. Born and raised in the farmlands of Galesburg, Illinois, Don joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 at just 17 years old.
As a radioman, his duties included receiving code, typing and routing messages, and maintaining records, a role critical to shipboard communications. On September 2, 1945, Don witnessed history firsthand as the Japanese formally surrendered aboard the Missouri in Tokyo Bay, a day that also marked his 19th birthday.
Following his service, Don returned home to Illinois and attended Augustana College. He later settled in Southern California, where he built a career in the insurance industry, married Adele Skutnik, and together they shared 58 years of marriage. Don was a devoted husband, father to one son, proud grandfather of two grandsons, and great-grandfather to two great-granddaughters.
