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  USS Hammann DD-412
USN
Sims Class Destroyer

1,570 Tons
348' 3.25" x 36' 1" x 13' 4.5"
5 x 5"/38 guns
4 x .50 cal MG
2 x 4 21" torpedo tubes
2 x depth charge tracks

Click For Enlargement
USN June 6, 1942
Ship History
Built by Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Kearny, NJ. Laid down January 17, 1938 as Sims Class Destroyer. Launched February 4, 1939 as USS Hammann (DD-412). Commissioned August 11, 1939 into the U.S. Navy (USN) under the command of Arnold E. True. After a shakedown cruise off the East Coast, participated in training operations off the east coast and west coast.

Wartime History
On December 7, 1941 Hammann was operating off Iceland and returned to Norfolk to refuel and resupply then departs January 6, 1942 transiting the Panama Canal then arrives San Francisco on January 22, 1942.

On February 25, 1942 joins Task Force 17 (TF-17) bound for the South Pacific. During March 1942 conducted training off New Caledonia then proceeded to the Coral Sea. On April 20, 1942 arrived at Tongatabu Harbor off Tonga on April 20, 1942 then seven days later departed for the Coral Sea and as a screening destroyer for USS Lexington (CV-2).

Battle of the Coral Sea
On May 4, 1942 during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Hammann rescue two carrier pilots off Guadalcanal. Unable to land motor vessels due to rough seas, the pilots were recovered with lines. An attempt was made to destroy their aircraft but rough seas made it impossible. Afterwards, returned to the screening force for USS Lexington (CV-2).

On May 8, 1942 both Lexington and Hammann came under attack by Japanese carrier aircraft including torpedo bombers and dive bombers. During the attack, Hammann provided anti-aircraft fire and a dive bomber dropped a bomb that exploded only 200 yards astern from the destroyer. Lexington was damaged and fired came under control until an internal explosion at 1:00pm resulted in the ship being abandoned. When the carrier was abandoned, Hammann, USS Morris (DD-417) and USS Anderson (DD-411) helped rescue the crew. Afterwards, proceeded to Pearl Harbor arriving May 27, 1942 and underwent repairs and returned to sea three days later to join the Battle of Midway.

Battle of Midway
On June 4, 1942 during the Battle of Midway, Hammann was part of the destroyer screening force for USS Yorktown (CV-5) providing anti-aircraft fire against attacking Japanese carrier aircraft. During the attacks, USS Yorktown (CV-5) was hit and abandoned in the early afternoon with Hammann rescuing survivors from the sea including Captain Buckmaster who was transferred aboard USS Astoria (CA-34). On June 5, 1942 in the morning, Hammann participated in efforts to save the stricken carrier and attempts to tow her to safety for repairs.

Sinking History
On June 6, 1942 Hammann came alongside USS Yorktown (CV-5) to transfer a damage control party and provided support including fire hoses and electricity. Meanwhile at noon, Japanese submarine I-168 fired four torpedoes at the carrier, one missed two passed under Hammann and hit Yorktown. The fourth torpedo hit Hammann midship breaking the destroyer in half and causing the destroyer to jackknife and sink bow first in only four minutes. After the sinking, there was an underwater explosion, likely from the depth charges detonating. A total of 80 of the crew died in the sinking and explosion.

Memorials
Hammann received two battle stars for her service in World War II. Afterwards, Commander Arnold True earned the e Navy Cross and a Distinguished Service Cross for his role in the Battle of the Coral Sea and Battle of Midway.

Rescue
Survivors from Hammann were rescued by USS Benham (DD-397) and USS Balch (DD-363).

References
Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - Hammann (DD-412)
NavSource - USS Hammann (DD-412)

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Last Updated
June 6, 2021

 

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