USS BAUSELL (DD-845)

• 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.