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| USN Fletcher-class destroyer 2,050 Tons 376' 5" x 39' 7" x 17' 9" 1 x 5" 38 cal gun 10 x 40mm AA guns 7 x 20mm AA guns 10 x 21" torpedo tubes 6 x depth charge tracks (FRAM II mod 1960) 2 x 5" 38 cal guns 1 x Mark 108 rocket launcher 6 x 18" torpedo tubes 2 x Hedgehog projectors 2 x 21" torpedo tubes 2 x .50 cal MG  USN July 6, 1943 |
Ship History Built by Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in at Kearny, New Jersey. Laid down October 2, 1941 as a Fletcher-class destroyer. Launched May 3, 1942 as USS Radford (DD-446) named for Rear Admiral William Radford sponsored by his granddaughter Edith Lovell as the second ship named Radford in the Navy. On July 21, 1942 delivered to the New York Navy Yard in Brooklyn, NY. Commissioned July 22, 1942 in the U.S. Navy (USN) under the command of Lt. Commander William K. Romoser. Afterwards, undergoes alterations and outfitting until the end of the month. Wartime History During August 1942 undergoes shakedown cruise and crew training exercises including anti-submarine screen for USS Massachusetts (BB-59) in "Area A". PARTIAL HISTORY On March 6, 1943 part of Task Group 68.3 (TG 68.3) with USS Fletcher (DD-445), USS Nicholas (DD-449), USS O'Bannon (DD-450) and USS Radford (DD-446) in column to conduct a shore bombardment of Munda Airfield on New Georgia. At 1:41am USS Fletcher opened fire to starboard with USS Nicholas, USS O'Bannon opening fire a minute later. At 1:44am spotted return fire from shore batteries and commenced counter battery fire. At 1:52am Radford commenced firing on other shore targets. At 2:50am made radar contact with an enemy plane and opened fire, then stopped firing when reported as friendly. During the night bombardment, Radford fired 400 shells from her 5"/38 gun. At 10:15am enters Tulagi Harbor and moored alongside USS Erskine M. Phelps (YON-147) between 10:23am to 11:00am receives 38,540 gallons of fuel. Next, at 11:36am departs to patrol off Purvis Bay then took up station on the quarter of Task Force 68 (TF-68) cruisers and passes Sealark Channel then past the Russell Islands. At 7:10pm begins anti-submarine screen in position #6. On March 7, 1943 refueled by USS Sabine (AO-25) between at 9:52am to 10:53am then resumes anti-submarine screen. PARTIAL HISTORY On May 4, 1943 anchored in Segond Channel off Espiritu Santo in berth 22. At 4:47pm underway and at 5:44pm leading a column of light minelayers USS Preble (DM-20), USS Gamble and USS Breese. On May 5, 1943 with Task Group 36.5 (TG 36.5) proceeds northward and at 7:30pm begins a rehersal for the upcoming mining operation. On May 6, 1943 at 10:10am enters Tulagi Harbor and moored alongside USS Erskine M. Phelps (YON-147) refueled starting at 10:23am interupted by general quarters with refueling complete by 11:00am and moored at berth #5. At 1:40pm underway in column USS Radford, USS Preble (DM-20), USS Gamble and USS Breese and transit Ferguson Passage and before midnight enter Blacket Strait. PARTIAL HISTORY On November 25, 1943 at 8:49pm 50 miles west of Makin Island spotted a submarine on radar but looses contact when it submerged. At 9:40pm the destroyer again makes contact and conducts seven depth charge attacks that sinks Japanese submarine I-19 at roughly Lat 3° 10' N, Long 171° 55E. Postwar During 1960, underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization II (FRAM II) overhaul at the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard changing the armament. On November 10, 1969 stricken from the Navy list. Fate During October 1970 sold for scrap. While being towed by a tug boat from Vallejo, California northward to Portland but broke free and floated for 34 miles off the coast of Oregon before being recovered and delivered. Afterwards, broken up for scrap. Awards Radford earned twelve battle stars and two Presidential Unit Citations for World War II service. For her Korean War service earned five battle stars. For Vietnam War earned four battle stars and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Display Formerly, the USS Radford National Naval Museum included a collection of memorabilia about the ship in Newcomerstown, Ohio until closed in 2011. The exhibits including photos, uniforms, and displays about the destroyer were moved to the USS Orleck Naval Museum. References NARA USS Radford War Diary July 21, 1942 to August 31, 1942 NARA USS Radford War Diary May 1943 NARA Operations of Radford in SWPA "Action Report--Covering initial landings of U.S. forces on Rendova Island, June 30, 1943; Sinking of fully surfaced submarine in Blanche Channel on night of July 1, 1943; and landing at Rice Anchorage, July 5, 1943; and other miscellaneous employments during this period." Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) Radford II (DD-446) 1942-1969 NavSource - USS Gamble (DD-123/DM-15) War with Japan: The Campaigns in the Solomons and New Guinea page 162 Contribute
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