The USS San Francisco (CA-38) was a heavy cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1934. It played a significant role during World War II, participating in major battles such as the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The ship was known for its speed and firepower, making it a vital asset in naval operations. The cruiser was named after the city of San Francisco, California. Throughout its service, the USS San Francisco earned numerous battle stars for its contributions and was recognized for its resilience, particularly after sustaining heavy damage during the naval engagement at Guadalcanal in 1942.