About this Unit
USS Cushing (DD-797) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in January 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major operations such as the Battle of Leyte Gulf and supporting amphibious landings at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, Cushing operated in the Far East and later served during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. Decommissioned in 1960, USS Cushing earned six battle stars for her World War II service and two for the Korean War.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Cushing (DD-797) was named after Lieutenant William B. Cushing, a daring Union naval officer famous for sinking the Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle with a spar torpedo.
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Fletcher-class Destroyer: She belonged to the prolific Fletcher-class, the most numerous class of destroyers built by the US during World War II, known for their speed, firepower, and versatility.
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Commissioning Date: USS Cushing was launched on September 30, 1943, and commissioned on January 17, 1944, at Bethlehem Steel Co., Staten Island, New York.
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World War II Service: Cushing served in the Pacific Theater, participating in major operations such as the Marianas campaign (including Saipan, Tinian, and Guam), the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
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Kamikaze Attack: On April 12, 1945, during the Okinawa campaign, USS Cushing was damaged by a near-miss from a kamikaze attack, suffering casualties but continuing her mission.
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Rescue Operations: She rescued survivors from the USS Princeton (CVL-23) after the carrier was hit and sunk during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944.
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Postwar Service: After WWII, USS Cushing was decommissioned in 1947 but recommissioned in 1951 to serve during the Korean War era, conducting patrol and training missions in the Pacific.
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Nuclear Test Participation: In 1958, she took part in nuclear weapons testing exercises in the Pacific as part of Operation Hardtack I.
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Awards: USS Cushing earned six battle stars for her service during World War II, a testament to her active and distinguished combat record.
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Final Fate: Decommissioned for the last time in 1960, USS Cushing was sunk as a target off the California coast in 1976, ending her long and storied career.
