About this Unit
USS Gregory (DD-802) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in key operations including the assaults on Iwo Jima and Okinawa, where she provided fire support and screened larger vessels. After the war, Gregory was involved in occupation duties in the Far East before being decommissioned in 1946. She was later reactivated for the Korean War, serving with distinction before her final decommissioning in 1964.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Gregory (DD-802) was named in honor of Francis H. Gregory, a distinguished officer in the United States Navy who served from the War of 1812 through the Civil War.
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Fletcher-class Destroyer: Gregory was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most successful and numerous classes of destroyers ever built, with 175 ships completed during World War II.
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Launched in 1944: The ship was launched on January 8, 1944, by the Todd-Pacific Shipyards in Seattle, Washington, and commissioned on July 29, 1944.
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Pacific Theater Service: During World War II, USS Gregory served in the Pacific, participating in major operations such as the Okinawa campaign, where she provided fire support and anti-aircraft defense.
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Kamikaze Attack Survivor: On April 8, 1945, Gregory was struck by a Japanese kamikaze aircraft during the Battle of Okinawa, suffering casualties and damage but remaining afloat and operational.
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Post-War Occupation Duties: After World War II, Gregory assisted in occupation duties in Japan, helping to demilitarize the country and maintain security during the early days of the Allied occupation.
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Korean War Service: Recommissioned in 1951 for the Korean War, USS Gregory conducted shore bombardment, blockade, and escort missions, supporting United Nations forces.
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Operation “Passage to Freedom”: In 1954, Gregory participated in “Passage to Freedom,” assisting in the evacuation of civilians and military personnel from North to South Vietnam following the Geneva Accords.
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Service with the Republic of Korea Navy: In 1969, Gregory was transferred to South Korea, where she served as ROKS Gang Won (DD-922) until she was decommissioned and scrapped in the 1980s.
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Battle Stars: Throughout her service, USS Gregory (DD-802) earned six battle stars for her World War II service and four for her Korean War operations, reflecting her distinguished and active combat history.
