USS Brush (DD-745)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • Korean War Action: USS Brush saw extensive action during the Korean War, including naval gunfire support and blockade operations along the Korean Peninsula. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Vietnam War Service: The destroyer provided gunfire support and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War. • 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. • 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.