The USS Enterprise (CV-6) served with distinction throughout the entirety of World War II, earning 20 battle stars for participating in 20 major battles – more than any other ship – as well as receiving a Presidential Unit Citation and a Navy Unit Commendation. Her Sailors and the pilots and air crewmen of her Air Group earned numerous Navy Crosses and other medals for valor in combat. Her Air Group conducted the critical dive-bombing attack at the Battle of Midway on June 5, 1942, which changed the course of the entire war, and arguably, the course of world history.
Following the war, efforts were made to preserve the Enterprise, but the ship was eventually sold for scrap to the Lipsett Corporation in 1958. The dismantling of the ship was directed by River Vale resident, W. Henry Hoffman. It was Mr. Hoffman who brought the stern plate of the USS Enterprise to the Township. For many years it was displayed behind centerfield of what is now called “Hoffman Baseball Field,” before it was moved to Veteran's Memorial Park, next to River Vale Town Hall, in December 2000 under the determined efforts of River Vale resident and VFW member, Edward Carter. The Township has since continued to proudly care for the stern plate at that location.
The U.S. Department of the Navy’s Naval History and Heritage Command had approached the Township of River Vale with hopes to display the stern plate of the USS Enterprise in the soon to be built National Museum of the United States Navy, located in Washington D.C.. The projected opening of Phase One of the new museum is in 2030. At NMUSN, the stern plate will anchor the WWII Gallery, exhibited alongside additional artifacts to honor all who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon completion, the NMUSN is projected to attract more than 1.7 million visitors annually.
In the interim, the USS Enterprise (CV-6) stern plate will be temporarily displayed aboard the USS New Jersey (BB-62) beginning October 2025 in Camden County, NJ for “Homecoming 250,” the commemoration of the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Anniversary, until it is recalled for conservation and relocated to the new National Museum of the United States Navy in Washington D.C.
Mr. W. Henry Hoffman and the Township of River Vale will be formally recognized for preserving and donating this historic artifact. The Township is honored and humbled to have had this role in the history of the USS Enterprise (CV-6) and pleased that the story will be shared with the Nation and the world.