I can't even imagine what it was like sailing flank speed towards a fleet, including the battleship Yamato, in one of these little tin cans. Every ship in that fleet was bigger that a Destroyer Escort. True bravery and true self-sacrifice. And truly the best and greatest generation.
My dad was a 20mm Orelikon gunner on USS CROWLEY DE303. Saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Went through Typhoon Cobra. Passed at 93 of COVID -19 May 2020. Miss you, Pop! My hero!
my father served on the USS ELLYSON DE454/DMS19 during WW2. we would sit for hours as kids and listen to his battle stories even our mom would sit and listen even though she had heard them before. my dad had a unbelieveable recall of all of these battles. okinawa was the one that burned the hardest in his mind. when he told those stories of the japanese kamakasis he would go into a trace almost and wring his hands while telling the stories it was scary to young kids. we would say were"nt you scared and his answer was there was no time to be afraid you just did your job until the battle was over or you were killed.my father still had nightmares in his 60s he was my hero just like your dad to you. in my book they were all heros god bless each and everyone of them !!
I am beside myself that I came across this video. My long deceased grandfather died when my father was only 7 years old, so I never had the honor of knowing him, much less picking his brain about his service in WWII. He was Chief Yeoman James William Larkin U.S.S. Abercrombie DE 343. Now I have a far greater knowledge of what conditions were on his class of ship, and how those vessels actually performed their duties under stress. Thank you so much! I am sharing this with my family members immediately, they are going to be so grateful for this look at destroyer escorts from WWII.
My father in law was a torpedo man in the destroyer escort fleet in WWII. Joined the Navy on 12/8/41 at 16, by early 1942 he was doing convoy duty in the North Atlantic. He made 37 trips through the Panama Canal seeing Naval combat in both the Atlantic & Pacific theaters. I feel fortunate to have heard his stories first hand. He was on three different DE's but the only one I remember the name of was DE-347 USS Rutherford. We miss you Brownie. FLY NAVY!!!
My father served on the DE-36 USS Manlove. Ship had 5 Battle Stars and was involved running pickets during several island hopping invasions in the Pacific. Sunk a Japanese Sub. He was a baker 2C. Told be that the pies use to bounce back up If you dropped one due to the powered milk they used. Said they spent much of their time scraping dough off the walls.. To keep the mess trays from sliding off the tables, guys would wet a piece of bread and set their tray on top and it would stick to the table. Funny stories he told. And about how they celebrated, becoming an official “shell back” crossing over the equator and goofing off in their spare time.
@@peterschlosser7605 thank you. Growing up he use to watch any documentary on WWII and I use to watch with him. I remember the series The World At War when I was a little kid in the early 70’
Hehe! I wish we'd known that wet bread trick when my little Frigate was tocking&rolling in heavy seas! Mess deck looked like a Three Stooges Movie, guys slipping and sliding all over. 😅
I am a Plank Owner of the U. S. S. Brackett DE-42 This film brought back many memories. Three Battles Stars The Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, and Okinawa. William L Roberts EM 2/C
I am the nephew of a sailor on the HMAS Shropshire 18 Battle Stars as you count them, but all only classed as the Pacific Campaign The RN RAN RCN RNZN never had enough brass to make plaques for all their battle honours So theuy lumped them into One e.g North Sea South Atlantic Pacific etc etc Jesus we had V/W class Destroyers that did the Tobruk run for 9 months twice a week 1000 miles each trip
My dad served on the USS Leslie L B Knox DE 580. He was a boiler maker. I know his ship was in some battles, Battle of the Coral Sea for one, but he never spoke of it. Then he transferred to the SeaBees towards the end of the war.
My Grandfather was a machinist mate on DE 742 USS Hilbert. They survived the typoon that caught everyone by surprise. She was only 1500 tons, must have been a hell of ride.
Hiya 831. My father was in that thing. Check out the DE357 website if you're curious. He spoke about the screws being out of the water, the nose vertical.
My father served on a Destroyer escort during WW2, he was on the USS Kretchmer DE329. Glad to see what you did to keep us free and protect the convoys so they could deliver those important supplies to their destinations.
Kretchmer was one of the DE's that was converted to DER, or radar picket designation, in the late 1950s. Many served a second life in Westpac in the late 60s as part of Operation Market Time, anti-infiltration patrols off the coast of South Vietnam. I served on a sister ship, Uss Brister DER 327 in 1965-67. I think by 1970 all the DER's were decommissioned, scrapped, or sold to third world navies.
My Dad was one of the POWs taken by the USS Kretchmer from Formosa to Manila at the end of the war. My Dad was most appreciative of the crew who went out of their way to look after the ex-POWS. He was amazed by the amount of food on the American ships. He weighed 86 lbs when freed.
My pop was a gunner's mate on DE 199 (USS Manning). Fired 20 MM. Returned from the war still a teenager. Those young guys saved democracy, truly earning the title of Greatest Generation.
Announcer says they're built to do the job. True, but as they were lightly armoured and not very well armed against air attack, ultimately they were considered expendable. As a proud U.S. NAVY veteran I salute those brave sailors who served aboard them. ✌🏻🇺🇸
Since the U-Boat's mission was commerce raiding rather than taking on armed combatants, the DE was more of a inhibitor of easy convoy raids. That's why she didn't need the armor or heavy guns. Her job was to make the U-Boat captain turn away and look for easier targets. She was light and nimble enough to pursue U-Boats stupid enough to attack a DE escorted convoy, yet cheap enough to build in quantities. She wasn't designed to go up against air attack since in the North Atlantic, the Luftwaffe wasn't that much of a threat. Thank you for your service.
My Granddad was a gunner on the USS John C. Butler. He sat me down when I was about 7 and he said he would answer all my questions and tell me his "story", I truly tried to remember everything but there was just so much, so I always retell what I DO remember so I can share and also so I won't forget. I love you Grandad... In moving memory forever and for all time Aubrey Leo"Buddy" Crowley. 🙏
My father served on DE675 USS JENKS, sister ship to 677. Helped capture U-505. Small ships; big ocean; tough duty in the winter North Atlantic! We may not see their like again.
Captain Andy my father also served on the Jenks, I've still got the unit citation around here somewhere....aldo was onboard the Pennsylvania at Pearl on Dec. 7
My Dad was on the USS Chase,DE-158. The Chase was severely damaged by a Kamikaze,that ripped its hull open. It was listing heavily and was in danger of sinking. With their rudder jammed at hard left rudder, the crew fought off other Kamikaze's and the damage control saved the ship from sinking. The Chase was towed to harbor for repairs and was decommissioned on 15 January 1946 ans sold for scrap. My Dad was a plank owner of the USS Chase, DE-158.
My dad was on a DE that helped catch the U 505, (Chantilane), he took us to Chicago to see it, he always played it down, but half the Navy showed up at his funeral,
Indeed, but these in the video aren't the same class that fought off Samar. These are from the Evarts and Buckley classes, which were specifically designed for convoy escort duty and mainly anti-submarine duties, at which they were excellent. The Evarts only mounted 3 3'' guns and had no torpedo tubes, so would have been limited in a surface action. They could only reach about 21 knots, so were too slow for a surface fight. The Buckleys had 3 21'' tubes, which gave a little surface capability, and were faster. The DEs that fought off Samar were from the John C Butler class, with 2 5'' guns and 3 21'' tubes, plus 24 knot speed (28 if all safety systems were disengaged!) which allowed them to get into position to fire their torpedoes. The 5'' gun was also remarkably effective against surface targets, as Chokai found out to her cost at Samar.
Her name was USS Framant, named for Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Paul S. Frament (1919-1942), who was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for heroism in the Guadalcanal campaign.
In memory of my dad, Russell "Bud' Ehlers, Cheif Petty Officer aboard DE USS Glendale, US Coast Guard, Pacific Theater, WWII. Love you dad and thank you here for your sacrifice.
My father was a plankowner and served as a GM/2 on DE-254 USS Ricketts in WW2. Twenty-six crossings of the N. Atlantic. Rogue wave caused a 71 degree roll and somehow they made it. These guys had balls.
My grandfather was Captain of USS Williams during the typhoon just after the Okinawa campaign. She rolled 94°, got sea water IN HER STACKS, and still made it home. He only ever lost one soul under his command during the entire war. He was also the XO and then Captain of the USS Hopping before receiving command of the Williams.
My dad served on the USS Parks DE-165 during WW2. at 01:21 dad's sister ship DE-163 was launched with a crashing bottle of champaign. This is a nice video, and I'll share it with my 4 younger brothers...
There was a story about a DE that out shot a gun cruiser while at sea for practice. The ship's name is not known. Story goes that they stood out to sea with a cruiser for exercises, and the cruiser captain decided to launch their seaplane to tow a sock for AAA practice. Sadly the crews were out of practice, missing it on two passes, firing with all guns, including the 5 inch batteries. So this old "China Hand" of a Chief John Hall that was sitting at the railing swearing and fuming at how bad the cruiser's gunners were, decided to take it on himself to settle this. So a 3 inch battery on the DE swiveled outwards... *BAM* The seaplane had to go back for another sock. Needless to say the cruiser was carrying the flag at the time and they were furious. But in the end, the DE skipper had this smile that told volumes that his little tin can outshoot a line gun cruiser. And the sailors of both ships were having their own "discussions" as well....
I salute you sir, and thank you for your service and sacrifice. It's no easy thing to do sea duty on any destroyer, and even more so during time of war such as WW2. These tin cans were most certainly not built for creature comforts. They were all business, and that business was to seek out and destroy the enemy. It's no easy thing to take a very young man, give him quick and minimal training, post him to a ship, destroyer or other fighting vessel, have him adapt to navel discipline and life at sea. Then be able to dig down real deep to suppress his anxiety, fear and panic in those terrifying moments of death and carnage. To overcome this and still function is what repetitious training and drilling accomplish. To all whom were blessed with never having to experience this or any form of mortal combat with a determined enemy, you are fortunate indeed. To those that have stood their ground and stared death in the face without flinching, you men, you band of brothers that have paid the price of freedom in blood, you are owed a debt of thanks and gratitude that can never fully be repaid. I honor your sacrifice and salute you. Bless you all. You have paved the way for the continued happiness of us all. SEMPER FI.
I served aboard USS Brister. Brister was commissioned early in WWII as DE 327 and served during the Battle of the Atlantic in convoy escort and anti-submarine warfare operations. In the mid-1950s Brister was re-commissioned as USS Brister DER 327 (Destroyer Escort Radar.) The new role was well suited for picket and patrol operations being outfitted with a suite of air search, surface and height finder radars and a variety of ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) systems and navigational aides. For a time, Brister operated out of Guam under commander naval forces Marianas patrolling the Mariana and Carolina Island groups. In early 1965 Brister joined a task force of other DERs, left Pearl Harbor and established Operation Market Time, the blockade of South Vietnam. In this role Brister operated under COMUSMACV intercepting suspicious naval craft from sampans, junks and fishing boats to merchant vessels intent on supplying VC and NVA with arms and supplies. During Operation Market Time Brister and her sister ships transitioned from blue water to brown water navy operations.
^^^@Rich Weatherly .. Wow that must have been fun as well as having probably a scary moment here and there Lol:P Thank you for your Service Sir :D] .v ..
@@splash5150izyThank you. There were moments but for the most part it was a rewarding experience. There is a USS Brister Facebook page if you are interested.
@@Me2Lancer … Thanks for the reply Rich, I'll look that Facebook page up, As I Love Anything and Everything about War Ships, if I was around in them Day's I would have joined the Navy Fo Sho' :N] .v ..
Thank you very much, sir. My dad served alongside several "tin cans" in the battle of the Atlantic. He was on the escort carrier USS Croatan (CVE 25). I wish he was still alive to see this video, as I'm sure it would bring back many memories for him. He was always most proud of his time in the Navy.
My dad was on the Jack W Wilke, DE-800. He outfitted and did a shakedown around the same time. Maybe even the same TF. But DE-677 went to the Pacific. My dad never did.
Yes Brazil here received 8 Cannon class DEs via Lend & Lease during WW2 (including USS Cannon herself) One of them is a museum ship today. The "Bauru" (former USS McAnn)
I'm a " hole snipe " who was fortunate enough to serve aboard a refitted fram class destroyer . As a boiler operator , we were the heart of the ship . " Keeper of the flame " forever !
This is the USS FRAMENT (DE-677). She served on both sides of the globe, running escort duty in the Atlantic, then undergoing refitting for fast transport class (APD-77). She transported specialized teams ranging from Marine Recon to UDT squads. Her tours had some action, but nothing noteworthy. She was decommissioned after wars end, and stricken from rolls in 1960. Her fate was to be with the Ecuadoran Navy as a power hulk (seagoing power plant, I guess).
My father served on the USS Banqust DE-739 - Eleven Battle stars in WWII. It may times was the flag ship for the commanding Admiral in the Pacific Operations.
I wrote on this thread years ago.. Just came back and read more of the posts.. kind of brings goose bumps to me when I read “My dad was on…” so many times.. thanks guys.
@@jacktattis143 No. They operated only in the Pacific. What is strange about England's adventure is how the flotilla commander became excessively jealous of England's successes and posted her far away from the final kill AO to give the other ships a chance at a kill. England was making them look like idiots. She still somehow wandered into the search area of the hours' long hunt for the final kill and scored on her first run in.
"The History Guy" here on You Tube, just featured a 15 min history of the USS England, from it's origins to it's amazing 6 victories and beyond. th-cam.com/video/iCLPtSMTXug/w-d-xo.html Semper Fi, TreeTop
My Dad - CPO on DE 166 (USS Baron) '43-'45 - South Pacific WW2 - Island hoping (cleanup) - also Saipan, Guadalcanal, surrender ceremonies, and several other engagements. Numerous Battle Stars, Pres. Citation. Never spoke of Service - but did display medals for awhile post service.
From the 80s to the 2010s we had decommissioned the DEs which had been re classified FF, and replaced them with the Perry class missile frigates (FFG-7 class) a fine little ship with a similar mission, they have all been decommissioned now. Kind of a shame, capable and inexpensive vessels, but now, almost a ship with a minimal mission and no replacement program. I guess that’s part of how we went all the way down to a 300 ship navy in 20 years
My grandfather (and namesake) was Captain of the USS Hopping (before she became an APD) and of the USS Williams. It's said that he was the only crew member of the Hopping who had prior sailing experience when she was commissioned.
I see they were still using the old 1.1 inch "Chicago Piano" as one of the anti-aircraft guns on this ship. That weapon had been largely, but not entirely, supplanted by the 40 mm Bofors gun by this time in the war.
It was likely stock footage. the voiceover guy did mention Bofors. Those 40's were in short supply early on, and extremely high demand. Ships like these likely got whatever was on hand when they were being outfitted- they were a numbers game ship: build as many as you can, as fast as you can to get em out there! Chrysler corp ended up building more than 20,000(!) Bofors guns by wars end. Just took time to get em all where they were needed. We eventually worked all the kinks out of the 1.1" chicago pianos, but by that time, they were pretty obsolete as a med range AA gun. Still, better than nothing.
Destroyer crews (wether allied or axis) were the nemesis of submarines. Hearing depth charges exploding around your sub must've been a nightmare to all submariners. Never knowing which one has your number in it.
These guys stuck chewing gum dipped in olive oil, as well as cigarette butts, into their ears. Tried to save their hearing. One surviving Uncle now stone deaf due to naval gunfire. Some gave all. All gave some.
@@harrykuheim6107 ear plugs are hard to get out of your top pockets when your in a fire fight! Thanks for the Tip! Former R.M mate. I love the forces humour
Good vintage video. I was on the USS Ainsworth FF-1090 in the early 1980s. She was originally classed as a DE until the re-org in 1975. We were bigger than the WWII ships, but didn't have all the guns. Currently the Navy has no DE/FF class ships in service, but are looking at bringing in a new Frigate class in the future. Need something smaller than the huge Burke class Destroyers. There are still some old WWII DEs serving in small navies.
She was named for Vice Admiral Walden L. ("Pug") Ainsworth, USN (1886-1960). He saw plenty of action as a task force commander in the Pacific (surface actions and shore bombardments). A good officer.
@@orvilleh.larson7581 Agreed. Pug Ainsworth was called "the destroyerman's destroyerman". My old ship still exists. In 1994 she was given to Turkey, as one of five operstional Knox Class frigates and five more for parts. She served as the "TCG Ege", finally decommissioned in 2005. She rests as a museum ship at the Inciralti Sea Museum in Izmur, Turkey. Her companion is an ex-USN Tang Class submarine.
New Constellation class FFG going to be much bigger than previous USN Frigates. 8000 ton displacement and over 500 ft long. Almost the size of the Arleigh Burkes just not as wide. Based on an Italian design already in service with several navies. Being built to U.S. specs in Wisconsin. Look like they are going to be impressive ships.
Aside from the obvious propaganda and mixing of Atlantic and Pacific footage, this is very interesting. My Dad served in one of these in the Royal Navy. (They were called Captain class Frigates) His was laid down as USS Tisdale but known in the RN as HMS Keats. Was there protecting the convoys on D-Day, made many forays into the Atlantic and even up towards Russia on convoy duty. Very busy little ships these!
I spent 10 months on Brannon DE 446 in Seattle,Wa at pier 91 Nov 65 Aug 66. After Bt A school went to Bradley DE 1041 San Diego, Ca. 1 -67 to 8-69. Was in Zea of Japan while N Korea had USS Pueblo, winter 68. Quite a westpac cruise.
Years ago I spent the day checking out every space on the Turner Joy. One particular thing has always stuck with me: 1/8"-1/4" steel sheeting was the only barrier between me and the sea. I could clearly hear water lapping against it's sides and thought: "Imagine being down here when depth charges were blowing up?"... Brave men the DE crews were.
When I toured the USS The Sullivans, I was struck by the same thing. The turrets for the 5"/38's, are maybe 1/8" plate. They provide shelter from the weather, thats about it... I doubt they'd stop a .50 or 20mm round, much less a naval projectile. Maybe splinters. I can only imagine that the whole ship felt it when the 5's opened up! 300-some odd men on that ship, on a 2500 or so ton displacement. bristling with weapons- and this is in post war configuration. (mount 53 removed; both quintuple torpedo launchers removed and replaced with 2 smaller triple asw launchers; aft bofors replaced with a twin 3"/50 mount, etc.) She's alongside- and dwarfed by- the USS Little Rock, a cleveland class light cruiser turned into a galveston class guided missile cruiser. The DD's weren't built much heavier: 21mm of STS steel plate. The extra room vs a DE was crammed full of even more weapons, stuff, and crew. Designed to be the meanest bastards around, and get the job done. No room or reserve bouyancy for much protection...
My grandfather, Bill Glass, served on the USS Frederick C. Davis, DE-136. He was killed along with 114 other sailors on 24 April 1945 by u-boat U546. The last ship sunk by the germans in the atlantic. Please visit www.ussfrederickdavis.com.
Pop was a Gunners Mate 2nd class on the main battery guns on a D.E. that rode out an Atlantic Hurricane with Army convoy NY119 and saw duty in the Aleutians, Atlantic, Pacific & Mediterranean aboard the USS O'Toole DE527.
💪🇺🇸 Dad was MM2 on the USS Weber DE 675 APD 75. Convoy duty in the Atlantic. Okinawa in the Pacific. Later into Nagasaki after the bomb. Bravo Zulu Pop.💪🇺🇸
I see you and raise you HMS Glow-worm fighting and ramming the Admiral Hipper. Destroyers eh? Nutters the lot of them. Then there's the corvette crews against the U-boats.
I can't even imagine what it was like sailing flank speed towards a fleet, including the battleship Yamato, in one of these little tin cans. Every ship in that fleet was bigger that a Destroyer Escort. True bravery and true self-sacrifice. And truly the best and greatest generation.
My dad was a 20mm Orelikon gunner on USS CROWLEY DE303. Saw action at Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Went through Typhoon Cobra. Passed at 93 of COVID -19 May 2020. Miss you, Pop! My hero!
another bad covid story😢
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis
Yeah your father was a hero. Imagine if Japan won. 😢 for your loss. He's smiling down on you, remember that!🫡
My dad was USS Brannon DE -446.He just passed due to Covid . RIP daddy my hero.💛💚
my father served on the USS ELLYSON DE454/DMS19 during WW2. we would sit for hours as kids and listen to his battle stories even our mom would sit and listen even though she had heard them before. my dad had a unbelieveable recall of all of these battles. okinawa was the one that burned the hardest in his mind. when he told those stories of the japanese kamakasis he would go into a trace almost and wring his hands while telling the stories it was scary to young kids. we would say were"nt you scared and his answer was there was no time to be afraid you just did your job until the battle was over or you were killed.my father still had nightmares in his 60s he was my hero just like your dad to you. in my book they were all heros god bless each and everyone of them !!
It wasn't from other ailments? People & the AMA like to blame covid-19. Which isn't true. By the way my father and I both served on Tin Cans.
My condolences and thanks for his service.
@@johneynon7121 You *ass!*
A toast to all our fathers.
I am beside myself that I came across this video. My long deceased grandfather died when my father was only 7 years old, so I never had the honor of knowing him, much less picking his brain about his service in WWII. He was Chief Yeoman James William Larkin U.S.S. Abercrombie DE 343. Now I have a far greater knowledge of what conditions were on his class of ship, and how those vessels actually performed their duties under stress. Thank you so much! I am sharing this with my family members immediately, they are going to be so grateful for this look at destroyer escorts from WWII.
I recommend to you the Book "Little Ship, Big War" about the service of the USS Abercrombie during WWII.
My father in law was a torpedo man in the destroyer escort fleet in WWII. Joined the Navy on 12/8/41 at 16, by early 1942 he was doing convoy duty in the North Atlantic. He made 37 trips through the Panama Canal seeing Naval combat in both the Atlantic & Pacific theaters. I feel fortunate to have heard his stories first hand. He was on three different DE's but the only one I remember the name of was DE-347 USS Rutherford. We miss you Brownie. FLY NAVY!!!
It's amazing how many vets and family of vets came to watch this video. Their service should not be forgotten.
I was the last Executive Officer of the last Buckley class DE in commission- USS Maloy (DE-791). She was a wonderful ship with a great crew.
REALLY WOW!
Much thanks and appreciation for your service Sir!
Thank you for your service sir
Thank you to all that has served in the armed forces. The younger generations will never understand what you went through to keep us free.
My grandfather served on the USS Stafford (DE-411).
God bless your grandfather for his service to our great nation.
I wish my dad was still alive to see this. He was in the battle of the Atlantic aboard an escort carrier, so he had many memories of these.
I am a plank owner of the USS Downes DE 1070. Was aboard her from 71-73 Great ship, great captain and crew. One of the best times of my life!
I transferred off her shortly before she decommissioned in 1991.. Somewhere along the line they changed her designation to FF.
My father served on the DE-36 USS Manlove. Ship had 5 Battle Stars and was involved running pickets during several island hopping invasions in the Pacific. Sunk a Japanese Sub. He was a baker 2C. Told be that the pies use to bounce back up If you dropped one due to the powered milk they used. Said they spent much of their time scraping dough off the walls.. To keep the mess trays from sliding off the tables, guys would wet a piece of bread and set their tray on top and it would stick to the table. Funny stories he told. And about how they celebrated, becoming an official “shell back” crossing over the equator and goofing off in their spare time.
Great story, John!
@@peterschlosser7605 thank you.
Growing up he use to watch any documentary on WWII and I use to watch with him. I remember the series The World At War when I was a little kid in the early 70’
Hehe! I wish we'd known that wet bread trick when my little Frigate was tocking&rolling in heavy seas! Mess deck looked like a Three Stooges Movie, guys slipping and sliding all over. 😅
I am a Plank Owner of the U. S. S. Brackett DE-42 This film brought back many memories. Three Battles Stars The Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, and Okinawa. William L Roberts EM 2/C
Thanks for your service to our great nation.
I am the nephew of a sailor on the HMAS Shropshire 18 Battle Stars as you count them, but all only classed as the Pacific Campaign
The RN RAN RCN RNZN never had enough brass to make plaques for all their battle honours So theuy lumped them into One e.g North Sea South Atlantic Pacific etc etc
Jesus we had V/W class Destroyers that did the Tobruk run for 9 months twice a week 1000 miles each trip
Thanks for you're Service. SIR.
A Salute to your Service and fellow Plank Owner, though mine was as an Airdale on the C-40A Clipper.
Americans are hilarious.
My dad served on the USS Leslie L B Knox DE 580. He was a boiler maker. I know his ship was in some battles, Battle of the Coral Sea for one, but he never spoke of it. Then he transferred to the SeaBees towards the end of the war.
My Dad was on a DE. My hero. Rest in peace.
He served his country well
My hero as well. That Whole Generation saved the world.
My late stepfather was on this ship during the war. I still have his picture of this ship that hung on our wall.
My Uncle Fred was a submariner in the Pacific in WWII.he’s one of my heroes. He was a thirty year man.
My Grandfather was a machinist mate on DE 742 USS Hilbert. They survived the typoon that caught everyone by surprise. She was only 1500 tons, must have been a hell of ride.
God bless your father for his service to our great nation in WWII!
Hiya 831. My father was in that thing. Check out the DE357 website if you're curious. He spoke about the screws being out of the water, the nose vertical.
Having been on a postwar DE/FF that sailed through an Atlantic hurricane chasing an Ivan (Soviet Sub) yes, it was a hell of a rough ride! 😱
My Dad was a Quartermaster 2nd on board the Daniel Joy (585). The sound of a groaning engine reminded him of kamikaze. He was proud to serve.
My father served on a Destroyer escort during WW2, he was on the USS Kretchmer DE329. Glad to see what you did to keep us free and protect the convoys so they could deliver those important supplies to their destinations.
My brother served on the Kretchmer also. WOW
Kretchmer was one of the DE's that was converted to DER, or radar picket designation, in the late 1950s. Many served a second life in Westpac in the late 60s as part of Operation Market Time, anti-infiltration patrols off the coast of South Vietnam. I served on a sister ship, Uss Brister DER 327 in 1965-67. I think by 1970 all the DER's were decommissioned, scrapped, or sold to third world navies.
Kretchmer patrolled the North Atlantic and took the Japanese surrender of Formosa
My Dad was one of the POWs taken by the USS Kretchmer from Formosa to Manila at the end of the war. My Dad was most appreciative of the crew who went out of their way to look after the ex-POWS. He was amazed by the amount of food on the American ships. He weighed 86 lbs when freed.
Many of the convoy escort DE's in the Atlantic were manned by Coast Guardsmen. They also cleared U-boats from harbors and harbor entrances.
My pop was a gunner's mate on DE 199 (USS Manning). Fired 20 MM. Returned from the war still a teenager. Those young guys saved democracy, truly earning the title of Greatest Generation.
Lol saving democracy. You Americans are adorable little useful idiots
@@sufimuslimlion4114 go suck on some lead...
Yeah thank God the good guys won WWII so that we can have 8year old kids in drag dancing for money at gay bars.
Announcer says they're built to do the job. True, but as they were lightly armoured and not very well armed against air attack, ultimately they were considered expendable. As a proud U.S. NAVY veteran I salute those brave sailors who served aboard them. ✌🏻🇺🇸
That's why they were considered "Tin cans." DLG/ CG-33 USS FOX!!!
Since the U-Boat's mission was commerce raiding rather than taking on armed combatants, the DE was more of a inhibitor of easy convoy raids. That's why she didn't need the armor or heavy guns. Her job was to make the U-Boat captain turn away and look for easier targets. She was light and nimble enough to pursue U-Boats stupid enough to attack a DE escorted convoy, yet cheap enough to build in quantities. She wasn't designed to go up against air attack since in the North Atlantic, the Luftwaffe wasn't that much of a threat. Thank you for your service.
@@swordmonkey6635 Don't tell that to the men of the Samuel B Roberts.
Kind of like the Perry-class frigates.
To be fair they were ASW ships.
My Granddad was a gunner on the USS John C. Butler. He sat me down when I was about 7 and he said he would answer all my questions and tell me his "story", I truly tried to remember everything but there was just so much, so I always retell what I DO remember so I can share and also so I won't forget. I love you Grandad... In moving memory forever and for all time Aubrey Leo"Buddy" Crowley. 🙏
My father served on DE675 USS JENKS, sister ship to 677. Helped capture U-505. Small ships; big ocean; tough duty in the winter North Atlantic! We may not see their like again.
Captain Andy my father also served on the Jenks, I've still got the unit citation around here somewhere....aldo was onboard the Pennsylvania at Pearl on Dec. 7
@@sleeplessinminnesota His name may be on the wall in Chicago where the U-505 is on display.
WOW!!
My Uncle served on DE 406 USS Edmonds WW2 South Pacific. DE 406 5 battle stars. Thanks to all our veterans for there war service all our my heroes.
My dad was on the Edmonds
I saw this in grade school. That voice really brings back memories.
My Grandfather and my Uncle both served on The Newell from 1943 - 1946. Very thankful and proud 🙏❤
I was an IC3 on the USS Rhodes (DER-384) 1961-1962. We almost sank in a storm in the North Atlantic, about 500 miles north of Scotland.
Amen~! I Was An IC3 On The Newman K Perry DDR 883 1960-1962. Great Ships Tough Men, Go Navy~!
Thank you America and your great navy for fighting to save us all from evil.
My Dad was on the USS Chase,DE-158. The Chase was severely damaged by a Kamikaze,that ripped its hull open. It was listing heavily and was in danger of sinking. With their rudder jammed at hard left rudder, the crew fought off other Kamikaze's and the damage control saved the ship from sinking. The Chase was towed to harbor for repairs and was decommissioned on 15 January 1946 ans sold for scrap. My Dad was a plank owner of the USS Chase, DE-158.
My dad was on a DE that helped catch the U 505, (Chantilane), he took us to Chicago to see it, he always played it down, but half the Navy showed up at his funeral,
Here is to you Taffy 3. When DEs punched way above their weight.
USS JOHNSTON at the Battle off Samar!
@@GIGroundNPound *The Battle of Samar - Odds? What are those?*
Drachinifel
th-cam.com/video/4AdcvDiA3lE/w-d-xo.html
Indeed, but these in the video aren't the same class that fought off Samar. These are from the Evarts and Buckley classes, which were specifically designed for convoy escort duty and mainly anti-submarine duties, at which they were excellent. The Evarts only mounted 3 3'' guns and had no torpedo tubes, so would have been limited in a surface action. They could only reach about 21 knots, so were too slow for a surface fight. The Buckleys had 3 21'' tubes, which gave a little surface capability, and were faster.
The DEs that fought off Samar were from the John C Butler class, with 2 5'' guns and 3 21'' tubes, plus 24 knot speed (28 if all safety systems were disengaged!) which allowed them to get into position to fire their torpedoes. The 5'' gun was also remarkably effective against surface targets, as Chokai found out to her cost at Samar.
Just got finished reading The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors. A great book about Taffey 3. Those guys were true heroes...what guts!
Her name was USS Framant, named for Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Paul S. Frament (1919-1942), who was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for heroism in the Guadalcanal campaign.
Thanks for the information about this destroyer. Best to the Navy!
Later converted and reclassified as APD-77 high speed transport and served in the Pacific.
Thanks. You wouldn't happen to know what class DE it was?
Was stationed aboard USS Ouellet, FF-1077, served 75-79. Best damned ship in the fleet! Sonar tech.
That old woman really swung the hell out of that champagne bottle! Rock on, lady. Rock on 🤘
My dad, Arthur Max Brown, served on Tollberg, APD-103 as Chief Engineer late in the war in Okinawa and Philippines.
In memory of my dad, Russell "Bud' Ehlers, Cheif Petty Officer aboard DE USS Glendale, US Coast Guard, Pacific Theater, WWII. Love you dad and thank you here for your sacrifice.
Thanks to your Dad for protecting our great nation.
He did a nice job teaching you how to spell "chief", didn't he?
My father was a plankowner and served as a GM/2 on DE-254 USS Ricketts in WW2. Twenty-six crossings of the N. Atlantic. Rogue wave caused a 71 degree roll and somehow they made it. These guys had balls.
My grandfather was Captain of USS Williams during the typhoon just after the Okinawa campaign. She rolled 94°, got sea water IN HER STACKS, and still made it home. He only ever lost one soul under his command during the entire war. He was also the XO and then Captain of the USS Hopping before receiving command of the Williams.
DE 749 as a reservist 1959. Loved it
My dad served on the USS Parks DE-165 during WW2. at 01:21 dad's sister ship DE-163 was launched with a crashing bottle of champaign. This is a nice video, and I'll share it with my 4 younger brothers...
Named for Major Floyd B. Parks who commanded VMF 211 on Midway in June 1942.
My Dad was on DE 369 in the South pacific. USS Thaddeus Parker. wikipedia has some great info on navy ships. Just search the bow #.
My dad was on DE707 USS JOBE. He also served in the South Pacific. Perhaps their paths crossed.
My father served on the USS Otter DE-210
Vernon "Lee" Hicks [Pearl Harbour
There was a story about a DE that out shot a gun cruiser while at sea for practice. The ship's name is not known. Story goes that they stood out to sea with a cruiser for exercises, and the cruiser captain decided to launch their seaplane to tow a sock for AAA practice. Sadly the crews were out of practice, missing it on two passes, firing with all guns, including the 5 inch batteries. So this old "China Hand" of a Chief John Hall that was sitting at the railing swearing and fuming at how bad the cruiser's gunners were, decided to take it on himself to settle this.
So a 3 inch battery on the DE swiveled outwards... *BAM* The seaplane had to go back for another sock. Needless to say the cruiser was carrying the flag at the time and they were furious. But in the end, the DE skipper had this smile that told volumes that his little tin can outshoot a line gun cruiser.
And the sailors of both ships were having their own "discussions" as well....
I salute you sir, and thank you for your service and sacrifice. It's no easy thing to do sea duty on any destroyer, and even more so during time of war such as WW2. These tin cans were most certainly not built for creature comforts. They were all business, and that business was to seek out and destroy the enemy. It's no easy thing to take a very young man, give him quick and minimal training, post him to a ship, destroyer or other fighting vessel, have him adapt to navel discipline and life at sea. Then be able to dig down real deep to suppress his anxiety, fear and panic in those terrifying moments of death and carnage. To overcome this and still function is what repetitious training and drilling accomplish. To all whom were blessed with never having to experience this or any form of mortal combat with a determined enemy, you are fortunate indeed. To those that have stood their ground and stared death in the face without flinching, you men, you band of brothers that have paid the price of freedom in blood, you are owed a debt of thanks and gratitude that can never fully be repaid. I honor your sacrifice and salute you. Bless you all. You have paved the way for the continued happiness of us all. SEMPER FI.
I served aboard USS Brister. Brister was commissioned early in WWII as DE 327 and served during the Battle of the Atlantic in convoy escort and anti-submarine warfare operations. In the mid-1950s Brister was re-commissioned as USS Brister DER 327 (Destroyer Escort Radar.) The new role was well suited for picket and patrol operations being outfitted with a suite of air search, surface and height finder radars and a variety of ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) systems and navigational aides.
For a time, Brister operated out of Guam under commander naval forces Marianas patrolling the Mariana and Carolina Island groups.
In early 1965 Brister joined a task force of other DERs, left Pearl Harbor and established Operation Market Time, the blockade of South Vietnam. In this role Brister operated under COMUSMACV intercepting suspicious naval craft from sampans, junks and fishing boats to merchant vessels intent on supplying VC and NVA with arms and supplies. During Operation Market Time Brister and her sister ships transitioned from blue water to brown water navy operations.
^^^@Rich Weatherly .. Wow that must have been fun as well as having probably a scary moment here and there Lol:P Thank you for your Service Sir :D] .v ..
@@splash5150izyThank you. There were moments but for the most part it was a rewarding experience. There is a USS Brister Facebook page if you are interested.
@@Me2Lancer … Thanks for the reply Rich, I'll look that Facebook page up, As I Love Anything and Everything about War Ships, if I was around in them Day's I would have joined the Navy Fo Sho' :N] .v ..
I as well served aboard the USS Brister DER-327, 1962 to 1967. 17 yes old when I started, 21 when I left.
Thank you very much, sir.
My dad served alongside several "tin cans" in the battle of the Atlantic. He was on the escort carrier USS Croatan (CVE 25).
I wish he was still alive to see this video, as I'm sure it would bring back many memories for him. He was always most proud of his time in the Navy.
My dad was on the Jack W Wilke, DE-800. He outfitted and did a shakedown around the same time. Maybe even the same TF. But DE-677 went to the Pacific. My dad never did.
Great ships and used after the war by so many allied & friendly Navies for 40+ years !!
Yes
Brazil here received 8 Cannon class DEs via Lend & Lease during WW2 (including USS Cannon herself)
One of them is a museum ship today.
The "Bauru" (former USS McAnn)
Dad was a plank owner on the USS Frybarger DE 705
I'm a " hole snipe " who was fortunate enough to serve aboard a refitted fram class destroyer . As a boiler operator , we were the heart of the ship . " Keeper of the flame " forever !
This is the USS FRAMENT (DE-677). She served on both sides of the globe, running escort duty in the Atlantic, then undergoing refitting for fast transport class (APD-77). She transported specialized teams ranging from Marine Recon to UDT squads. Her tours had some action, but nothing noteworthy.
She was decommissioned after wars end, and stricken from rolls in 1960. Her fate was to be with the Ecuadoran Navy as a power hulk (seagoing power plant, I guess).
My father served on the USS Banqust DE-739 - Eleven Battle stars in WWII. It may times was the flag ship for the commanding Admiral in the Pacific Operations.
I wrote on this thread years ago.. Just came back and read more of the posts.. kind of brings goose bumps to me when I read “My dad was on…” so many times.. thanks guys.
DE 675, USS England, sank six Japanese submarines in 12 days in May of 1944. A record that has held up now for 73 years.
ACADMAN: That is great did they sink any German ?
@@jacktattis143 No. They operated only in the Pacific. What is strange about England's adventure is how the flotilla commander became excessively jealous of England's successes and posted her far away from the final kill AO to give the other ships a chance at a kill. England was making them look like idiots. She still somehow wandered into the search area of the hours' long hunt for the final kill and scored on her first run in.
Actually DE-635, but man her record amazing. Thanks for pointing me in the direction, fascinating to read her history.
"The History Guy" here on You Tube, just featured a 15 min history of the USS England, from it's origins to it's amazing 6 victories and beyond.
th-cam.com/video/iCLPtSMTXug/w-d-xo.html
Semper Fi, TreeTop
@@acadman4322 hell of a sonar man on board.
My father served aboard DE 342, USS Richard W. Seusens, in the Pacific during WW2.
My great uncle was on convoy duty in the Atlantic in WW2. Tin can as he put it , but he loved his ship.
My Dad - CPO on DE 166 (USS Baron) '43-'45 - South Pacific WW2 - Island hoping (cleanup) - also Saipan, Guadalcanal, surrender ceremonies, and several other engagements. Numerous Battle Stars, Pres. Citation. Never spoke of Service - but did display medals for awhile post service.
FWIW, you didn't unrep from a "tanker"- They had no transfer gear. "Oilers" did. Huge diff.
My Uncle Fred served aboard USS Dalgren (DDE 43) for 2 yrs in 68-69, he was Machinest mate
My grandpappy served in Bermuda in WW2. Captain of a minesweeper
They don't make gorgeous ships like this anymore.
Sadly.
From the 80s to the 2010s we had decommissioned the DEs which had been re classified FF, and replaced them with the Perry class missile frigates (FFG-7 class) a fine little ship with a similar mission, they have all been decommissioned now. Kind of a shame, capable and inexpensive vessels, but now, almost a ship with a minimal mission and no replacement program. I guess that’s part of how we went all the way down to a 300 ship navy in 20 years
@Uncle Joe LOL....that's true Uncle Joe.
My Dad was a Plank Owner & Motor Machinist Mate (MoMM) aboard the USS Manlove DE-36, during the "Big War". They sailed & fought in the Pacific.
My grandfather (and namesake) was Captain of the USS Hopping (before she became an APD) and of the USS Williams. It's said that he was the only crew member of the Hopping who had prior sailing experience when she was commissioned.
I see they were still using the old 1.1 inch "Chicago Piano" as one of the anti-aircraft guns on this ship. That weapon had been largely, but not entirely, supplanted by the 40 mm Bofors gun by this time in the war.
Bofors. we a much better weapon.
Old stock footage from a different ship From above notes USS Brennan (DE-13) in August 22 1942.
Many were passed down to escort and patrol ships.
It was likely stock footage. the voiceover guy did mention Bofors. Those 40's were in short supply early on, and extremely high demand. Ships like these likely got whatever was on hand when they were being outfitted- they were a numbers game ship: build as many as you can, as fast as you can to get em out there! Chrysler corp ended up building more than 20,000(!) Bofors guns by wars end. Just took time to get em all where they were needed.
We eventually worked all the kinks out of the 1.1" chicago pianos, but by that time, they were pretty obsolete as a med range AA gun. Still, better than nothing.
The greatest generation! God bless them all!
Destroyer crews (wether allied or axis) were the nemesis of submarines. Hearing depth charges exploding around your sub must've been a nightmare to all submariners. Never knowing which one has your number in it.
I knew a guy that had been on DE 33 USS Tisdale, he was a Electonics Man on the ship. 1942- 45 Pacific fleet.
These guys stuck chewing gum dipped in olive oil, as well as cigarette butts, into their ears. Tried to save their hearing. One surviving Uncle now stone deaf due to naval gunfire. Some gave all. All gave some.
Pardon? x
I used Filter Tips from Cigarettes for Ear Plugs in the Marines 70-74
@@harrykuheim6107 ear plugs are hard to get out of your top pockets when your in a fire fight! Thanks for the Tip!
Former R.M mate.
I love the forces humour
FB: I don't think you would find olive oil on any navy ship in the last 100 years.
@@garethgriffiths8577 oh, now I get it.
Good vintage video. I was on the USS Ainsworth FF-1090 in the early 1980s. She was originally classed as a DE until the re-org in 1975. We were bigger than the WWII ships, but didn't have all the guns.
Currently the Navy has no DE/FF class ships in service, but are looking at bringing in a new Frigate class in the future. Need something smaller than the huge Burke class Destroyers.
There are still some old WWII DEs serving in small navies.
She was named for Vice Admiral Walden L. ("Pug") Ainsworth, USN (1886-1960). He saw plenty of action as a task force commander in the Pacific (surface actions and shore bombardments).
A good officer.
@@orvilleh.larson7581 Agreed. Pug Ainsworth was called "the destroyerman's destroyerman".
My old ship still exists. In 1994 she was given to Turkey, as one of five operstional Knox Class frigates and five more for parts. She served as the "TCG Ege", finally decommissioned in 2005. She rests as a museum ship at the Inciralti Sea Museum in Izmur, Turkey. Her companion is an ex-USN Tang Class submarine.
New Constellation class FFG going to be much bigger than previous USN Frigates. 8000 ton displacement and over 500 ft long. Almost the size of the Arleigh Burkes just not as wide. Based on an Italian design already in service with several navies. Being built to U.S. specs in Wisconsin. Look like they are going to be impressive ships.
Still too danged BIG! 😮
I wish I had re upped after my first 4yrs and put in for Destroyer duty. Would've, could've, should've.
U.S. NAVY veteran PO3 '73>'77 ✌🇺🇸
DE-238 USS Stewart is one of two surviving DE's at SeaWolf Park in Galveston, Texas...along side the Cavalla that sank the Shokaku
Very very worthwhile to see. As a cruiser sailor, we lived the high life compared to the guys on the DE's.
I've been there and saw all 3
The other is USS Slater in Albany, NY.
My uncle served on the USS Key (DE-348)
Aside from the obvious propaganda and mixing of Atlantic and Pacific footage, this is very interesting. My Dad served in one of these in the Royal Navy. (They were called Captain class Frigates) His was laid down as USS Tisdale but known in the RN as HMS Keats. Was there protecting the convoys on D-Day, made many forays into the Atlantic and even up towards Russia on convoy duty. Very busy little ships these!
Please rewind the tape when you're done watching it. :)
Hahahaha. Tape, lol. Tape came much later. These were reels.
I served on USS Semmes DDG 18 and USS Kinkaid DD 965.
My grandfather was a machinist mate on the USS Finnegan DE 307. Saw action at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and sank the Japanese sub I370.
I spent 10 months on Brannon DE 446 in Seattle,Wa at pier 91 Nov 65 Aug 66. After Bt A school went to Bradley DE 1041 San Diego, Ca. 1 -67 to 8-69. Was in Zea of Japan while N Korea had USS Pueblo, winter 68. Quite a westpac cruise.
Fine as long as there's no inclement weather. Otherwise, a DD is definitely preferable.
Years ago I spent the day checking out every space on the Turner Joy. One particular thing has always stuck with me:
1/8"-1/4" steel sheeting was the only barrier between me and the sea. I could clearly hear water lapping against it's sides and thought: "Imagine being down here when depth charges were blowing up?"...
Brave men the DE crews were.
When I toured the USS The Sullivans, I was struck by the same thing. The turrets for the 5"/38's, are maybe 1/8" plate. They provide shelter from the weather, thats about it... I doubt they'd stop a .50 or 20mm round, much less a naval projectile. Maybe splinters.
I can only imagine that the whole ship felt it when the 5's opened up!
300-some odd men on that ship, on a 2500 or so ton displacement. bristling with weapons- and this is in post war configuration. (mount 53 removed; both quintuple torpedo launchers removed and replaced with 2 smaller triple asw launchers; aft bofors replaced with a twin 3"/50 mount, etc.) She's alongside- and dwarfed by- the USS Little Rock, a cleveland class light cruiser turned into a galveston class guided missile cruiser. The DD's weren't built much heavier: 21mm of STS steel plate. The extra room vs a DE was crammed full of even more weapons, stuff, and crew. Designed to be the meanest bastards around, and get the job done. No room or reserve bouyancy for much protection...
My Grandpa Gordon Graff served on the USS Spangler (DE-696) Earned 2 battle stars
Here's remembering the old USS Kornblatt!
Thank you for finding and showing this film
My grandfather, Bill Glass, served on the USS Frederick C. Davis, DE-136. He was killed along with 114 other sailors on 24 April 1945 by u-boat U546. The last ship sunk by the germans in the atlantic. Please visit www.ussfrederickdavis.com.
I was on the USS John R Perry , DE 1034 out of Pearl from 67 to 69 , great little ship and many memories
WAS THE PERRY A CLAUD JONES DE?
God bless them. Thank you for your service
Truly the greatest generation.
My gramps was a cook on DE-383 Mills.
A great movie to watch about American destroyers is “ Greyhound “ with Tom Hanks as Captain.
Pop was a Gunners Mate 2nd class on the main battery guns on a D.E. that rode out an Atlantic Hurricane with Army convoy NY119 and saw duty in the Aleutians, Atlantic, Pacific & Mediterranean aboard the USS O'Toole DE527.
My dad Willard O Combs was on USS Loeser DE 680 In ‘43
In the South Pacific
Next to PT boats, Minesweaper, submarine hunters forgotten and important class of WW2
Neat little ships that perfectly filled the role they were designed for... Especially off Samar.
my grandpa Sandy Baird was a boilerman on the uss sandy s miles
💪🇺🇸 Dad was MM2 on the USS Weber DE 675 APD 75. Convoy duty in the Atlantic. Okinawa in the Pacific. Later into Nagasaki after the bomb. Bravo Zulu Pop.💪🇺🇸
Nice looking ships, but I'm glad I didn't serve on one. Wouldn't have minded the fact that they were wet and rolled a lot, but they were cramped.
8:35 No fish were harmed in the making of this movie.
@phdfxwg Fischercat What?
@@bigredc222 Sorry if you don't understand the fundamentals of what over-pressure from the explosion of a depth charge can to a living creature.
I'd like to fly a target plane said no one EVER!!!
Read about the exploits of the USS Samuel B. Roberts in the 'Battle off Samar.' The destroyer escort that fought like a battleship.
@Richard Hunt I agree. Have you read 'The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors'?
A DE going toe to toe with Japanese heavy cruiser. Balls of steel.....
I see you and raise you HMS Glow-worm fighting and ramming the Admiral Hipper.
Destroyers eh? Nutters the lot of them. Then there's the corvette crews against the U-boats.
@@adventussaxonum448 Yes Johnny Walkers ships
61Benster: Try the HMS Jervis from 1940 to 1945
"No fish were injured in the making of this film"
My Grandfather was on DE 263, the USS Deede from 1943 to 1945 . The USS Deede received 5 battle stars during WWII while with the 3rd fleet.