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| USN Bagley-class destroyer 1,500 Tons (Light) 2,325 Tons (Full) 341' 8" x 35' 6" x 10' 4" 4 X 5" 38 cal guns 4 x .50 cal MG 16 x 21" torpedo tubes 2 x depth charge tracks  USN February 27, 1939  USN April 11, 1942  USN August 9, 1942 |
Ship History Built by Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Norfolk, VA. Laid down September 25, 1935 as a Bagley-class destroyer. Launched May 27, 1937 as USS Blue (DD-387) named for Rear Admiral Victor Blue sponsored by his sister Miss Kate Lilly Blue. Commissioned August 14, 1937 in the U.S. Navy (USN) with Lieutenant Commander J. Wright in command. Afterwards, underwent a shakedown cruise off the east coast of the United States and the Caribbean. During August 1938, departed via the Panama Canal to join the Pacific Fleet as the flagship of Destroyer Division 7, Battle Force. Afterwards, conducts exercises in the Pacific off the west coast of the United States until April 1940 then to Pearl Harbor. Between February 1941 until March 1941 overhauled at Puget Sound Navy Yard. In April 1941 performs exercises based at San Diego then returned to Pearl Harbor as the flagship of Destroyer Division Seven of Destroyer Squadron Four. Wartime History On December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack and was able to get underway with only four Ensigns aboard. Afterwards, patrolled off Oahu until January 1942. During February 1942, escorted USS Enterprise (CV-X) for attacks against the central Pacific. Between March 1942 until June 1942 escorted convoys between Pearl Harbor to San Francisco. On April 11, 1942 photographed off Mare Island. Afterwards, crossed the Pacific to Wellington arriving July 18, 1942 to prepare for the U.S. invasion of the Solomon Islands. On August 7, 1942 part of Task Group 62.2 (TG 62.2) as an escort, screen and fire support. On August 8, 1942 assigned to screen to the west of Savo Island to protect the approach to Tulagi and Guadalcanal with USS Ralph Talbot (DD-390) screening to the northwest. Overnight, a Japanese Navy cruiser force passed to the east during the Battle of Savo Island but Blue did not participate in the action. On August 9, 1942 destroyers Blue and USS Patterson (DD-392) helped rescue the wounded from heavily damaged HMAS Canberra (D63). Afterwards, withdrew to Nouméa and starting August 13, 1942 performs patrol duty for the next four days then returns to Guadalcanal on August 21, 1942 at 3:59am. On August 22, 1942 while patrolling Iron Bottom Sound hit by a torpedo from Japanese destroyer Kawakaze. The explosion damaging her engines, shafts and steering. Aboard, nine were killed and twenty-one wounded. Afterwards, several unsuccessful attempts were made to tow the damaged destroyer to Tulagi. Sinking History On August 23, 1942 at 10:21pm scuttled into Iron Bottom Sound between Savo Island and the Florida Islands. Awards For her World War II service, Blue earned five battle stars. References Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - Blue I (DD-387) Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - USS Blue, Report of Pearl Harbor Attack, December 12, 1941 NavSource - USS Blue (DD-387) Contribute
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