About this Unit
USS Ernest G. Small (DDR-838) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Ernest G. Small, the ship served with distinction in World War II's final months and was later active during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. In 1951, she was severely damaged by a mine off the coast of Korea but was repaired and modernized, returning to service as a radar picket destroyer (DDR). USS Ernest G. Small continued to serve through the Cold War, participating in various operations and deployments until her decommissioning in 1970.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Ernest G. Small (DDR-838) was named in honor of Marine Second Lieutenant Ernest G. Small, who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism at the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942.
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Gearing-class Destroyer: The ship was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and successful destroyer classes built by the U.S. Navy during and after World War II.
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Commissioning: USS Ernest G. Small was launched on June 14, 1945, by Bath Iron Works in Maine and commissioned on August 21, 1945, just days after the end of World War II.
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Korean War Service: The ship saw extensive combat service during the Korean War, providing gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and engaging in anti-submarine operations.
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Mine Strike Incident: On October 7, 1951, while operating off North Korea, Ernest G. Small struck a mine, blowing off 40 feet of her bow and resulting in the loss of nine crew members.
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Damage Control Heroics: Despite the catastrophic damage, the crew managed to save the ship, keeping her afloat for three days until a temporary bow was fitted in Japan, allowing her to sail to the United States for major repairs.
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Frankenstein Bow: The temporary bow fitted to Ernest G. Small in Japan was nicknamed the "Frankenstein bow" due to its patchwork appearance and improvised construction.
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Radar Picket Conversion: After repairs, the ship was converted into a radar picket destroyer (DDR), equipped with advanced radar and electronics to serve as an early warning ship during the Cold War.
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Vietnam War Service: The Ernest G. Small took part in the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, search and rescue, and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers on Yankee Station.
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Decommissioning and Fate: The ship was decommissioned on November 1, 1970, and later transferred to the Republic of Korea Navy, where she served as ROKS Jeong Buk (DD-916) until 1984.
