USS England (DE-635)

• Record-breaking Destroyer Escort: USS England (DE-635) is renowned for sinking six Japanese submarines in 12 days in May 1944—a feat unparalleled in naval history. • Named for Ensign John C. England: The ship was named after Ensign John Charles England, a naval officer who died heroically during the attack on Pearl Harbor aboard USS Oklahoma. • Commissioning: USS England was commissioned on December 10, 1943, at San Francisco, California, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Walton B. Pendleton. • The "Six for Six" Achievement: Between May 19 and May 31, 1944, England destroyed Japanese submarines I-16, RO-106, RO-104, RO-116, RO-108, and RO-105 using sonar and Hedgehog anti-submarine weapons. • Presidential Unit Citation: For her extraordinary anti-submarine performance during this period, the ship and her crew received the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation. • Advanced Technology: USS England was equipped with then-cutting-edge sonar and Hedgehog launchers, making her especially effective against enemy submarines. • Service Beyond Submarines: After her famous anti-submarine exploits, England provided escort, anti-aircraft, and fire support duties throughout the Pacific, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf. • Kamikaze Attack: On May 9, 1945, while off Okinawa, England was struck by a kamikaze plane, causing severe damage and casualties, but the crew managed to save the ship. • Decommissioning: She was decommissioned on October 15, 1945, after the end of World War II, and was eventually scrapped in 1946. • Legacy: Admiral Ernest King, Chief of Naval Operations, reportedly said, "There’ll always be an England in the United States Navy," honoring her remarkable achievements.