About this Unit
USS Bausell (DD-845) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in February 1946. Named after Marine Private First Class Lewis K. Bausell, a Medal of Honor recipient, the ship served extensively during the Cold War, including multiple deployments to the Western Pacific. USS Bausell saw action during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, providing naval gunfire support and participating in various operations. After decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1978 and later transferred to the Republic of Korea Navy, where she served as ROKS Taejon (DD-919).
Historical Facts
• Namesake: USS Bausell (DD-845) was named after PFC Lewis K. Bausell, a U.S. Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Peleliu in World War II.
• Gearing-class Destroyer: Bausell was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and advanced destroyer types built for the U.S. Navy during and after World War II.
• Commissioned Post-WWII: She was commissioned on 7 February 1946, too late to see combat in World War II, but she became an integral part of the U.S. Navy’s Cold War fleet.
• Korean War Service: USS Bausell participated in operations during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers.
• FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, Bausell underwent FRAM I (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) updates, which improved her anti-submarine warfare capabilities with new sonar, radar, and ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) launchers.
• Vietnam War Operations: Bausell served multiple tours off Vietnam, supporting carrier operations, conducting search and rescue missions, and providing naval gunfire support for ground troops.
• Collision Incident: On 19 March 1965, Bausell collided with the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CV-34) during underway replenishment operations, causing significant bow damage but with no loss of life.
• Operation Frequent Wind: Bausell participated in the evacuation of Saigon in April 1975 (Operation Frequent Wind), helping rescue American personnel and South Vietnamese refugees as the Vietnam War ended.
• Decommissioning and Fate: After nearly three decades of service, Bausell was decommissioned on 30 September 1978 and transferred to the Republic of China Navy, where she served as ROCS Shao Yang (DD-906).
• Legacy: Throughout her career, Bausell earned eight battle stars for her Korean and Vietnam War service, reflecting her active and distinguished role in 20th-century naval history.
