About this Unit
USS Brush (DD-745) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in April 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Okinawa campaign, where she provided vital gunfire support and screened aircraft carriers. After World War II, Brush was active during the Korean War and was damaged by a mine off the coast of North Korea in September 1950, resulting in casualties and extensive repairs. She continued to serve during the Cold War era before being decommissioned and transferred to Taiwan in 1969, where she served as ROCS Hsiang Yang (DD-1).
Historical Facts
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Commissioning: USS Brush (DD-745) was a Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned on April 17, 1944, at Bath, Maine, and named after Charles Brush, a noted American inventor.
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World War II Service: Brush joined the Pacific Fleet and participated in the final stages of World War II, providing fire support during the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
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Kamikaze Attack: On June 25, 1945, while off Okinawa, USS Brush was struck by a Japanese kamikaze, suffering significant damage and casualties, but her crew managed to save the ship.
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Korean War Action: USS Brush saw extensive action during the Korean War, including naval gunfire support and blockade operations along the Korean Peninsula.
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Mine Strike Incident: On September 26, 1950, while operating off Tanchon, North Korea, Brush struck a naval mine, resulting in 13 crew members killed and 34 wounded, but the ship survived and was towed to safety.
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Repaired and Returned to Duty: After emergency repairs in Japan and more extensive repairs in the United States, Brush returned to the Korean theater just seven months after the mine incident.
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Cold War Deployments: Brush was actively deployed in the Western Pacific during the Cold War, participating in patrols and exercises as part of the 7th Fleet.
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Vietnam War Service: The destroyer provided gunfire support and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: After being decommissioned from US Navy service on October 27, 1969, USS Brush was transferred to the Republic of China Navy (Taiwan) where she served as ROCS Hsiang Yang (DD-1) until 1984.
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Combat Decorations: For her service in three wars—World War II, Korea, and Vietnam—USS Brush earned five battle stars for WWII, five for Korea, and six campaign stars for Vietnam.
