U S GREGORY DD 802

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Korean War Service: Recommissioned in 1951 for the Korean War, USS Gregory conducted shore bombardment, blockade, and escort missions, supporting United Nations forces. • 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. • 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. • 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.