USS Bache DD 470: Uss John W Weeks DD701

• USS Bache (DD-470) and USS John W. Weeks (DD-701) are Fletcher-class destroyers: Both ships were part of the prolific Fletcher-class, the largest class of destroyers ever built for the US Navy during World War II, known for their speed, firepower, and durability. • Named after distinguished naval officers: USS Bache was named for Commander George M. Bache, a Civil War veteran, while USS John W. Weeks was named for Secretary of War John Wingate Weeks. • USS Bache's service at Leyte Gulf: Bache played a significant role in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944, providing anti-aircraft fire and protecting the invasion fleet from kamikaze attacks. • Kamikaze attack on USS Bache: On 13 January 1945, Bache was hit by a kamikaze off Luzon, resulting in significant damage and casualties, but her crew managed to save the ship from sinking. • USS John W. Weeks at Okinawa: Weeks participated in the Okinawa campaign, enduring numerous air raids and helping to shoot down enemy aircraft as part of the radar picket line. • Cold War operations: Both ships continued active service during the early Cold War period, participating in NATO exercises and serving as a deterrent during tense global events. • USS Bache's dramatic grounding at Rhodes: In February 1968, a violent storm drove Bache aground near Rhodes, Greece. Efforts to salvage her failed, and she was declared a total loss. • USS John W. Weeks in the Korean and Vietnam Wars: Weeks saw action in both conflicts, providing gunfire support for ground troops and serving as an escort for aircraft carriers. • Survivors of multiple conflicts: Both destroyers earned numerous battle stars: Bache received 10 for WWII and 2 for Korea, while John W. Weeks earned 7 for WWII and additional awards for later service. • Legacy and memorabilia: Artifacts from both ships, such as bells and plaques, are preserved in naval museums, and their names are honored at reunions and by veterans' groups to this day.