About this Unit
USS **Taussig (DD-743)** was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer of the United States Navy. Commissioned in May 1944, Taussig served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, she saw extensive action during the Korean War, performing shore bombardment and escort duties. Taussig continued her service through the Vietnam War, before being decommissioned and transferred to the Republic of China Navy in 1974.
Historical Facts
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USS Rupertus (DD-743): The USS Rupertus was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, named after Marine Corps Major General William H. Rupertus.
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Commissioned During WWII: The ship was commissioned on 8 March 1945, joining the fleet in the final months of World War II.
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Pacific Theater Service: USS Rupertus participated in operations during the final stages of the Pacific War, including escorting convoys and supporting occupation duties in Japan.
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Korean War Action: The destroyer saw extensive combat during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, anti-submarine screening, and rescue operations.
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Vietnam War Deployments: Rupertus served multiple tours off Vietnam, engaging in gunfire support missions, plane guard duty for carriers, and search and rescue operations.
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Evacuation Operations: In 1975, USS Rupertus participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War.
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Collision Incident: In August 1966, Rupertus was damaged in a collision with the USS Rowan (DD-782) during exercises, requiring repairs in Yokosuka, Japan.
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Multiple Modernizations: The ship underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, receiving updated sonar, weapons, and anti-submarine warfare equipment in the 1960s.
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Foreign Service: After being decommissioned from the US Navy in 1977, USS Rupertus was transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece and renamed Kountouriotis (D213).
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Final Fate: The ship served with the Greek Navy until 1995, when she was finally decommissioned and scrapped, ending a 50-year naval career across two nations.
