USS ALLEN M. SUMNER (DD-692)

• Namesake Honor: USS ALLEN M. SUMNER (DD-692) was named after Marine Corps Captain Allen Melancthon Sumner, who was killed in World War I during the Battle of Belleau Wood. • Lead Ship: She was the lead ship of the Allen M. Sumner-class destroyers, a class that introduced significant improvements over earlier Fletcher-class destroyers. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 26 January 1944 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, quickly joining the Pacific Fleet for World War II service. • World War II Service: She participated in the Marianas, Leyte, and Okinawa campaigns, providing gunfire support, anti-submarine patrols, and screening carriers from air attacks. • Kamikaze Attack Survivor: On April 6, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, Allen M. Sumner was struck by a Japanese kamikaze, suffering casualties but managing to stay afloat and complete her mission. • Post-War Operations: After WWII, the destroyer performed occupation duties in Japanese waters and later took part in the “Magic Carpet” operation, returning U.S. servicemen home. • Korean War Service: Allen M. Sumner was recommissioned for the Korean War and performed patrol, escort, and shore bombardment missions during the conflict. • Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, she participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis naval quarantine, helping enforce the blockade of Cuba. • Vietnam War Duty: The destroyer provided naval gunfire support, plane guard duties, and search and rescue operations off the coast of Vietnam during the 1960s. • Decommissioning and Legacy: After 30 years of service, USS Allen M. Sumner was decommissioned in August 1973 and eventually sunk as a target in 1977, ending her distinguished naval career.