About this Unit
USS John A. Bole (DD-755) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in March 1945. She served in the final months of World War II, providing escort and screening duties for fast carrier task forces in the Pacific. During the Korean War, John A. Bole participated in shore bombardment, blockade, and patrol operations, earning multiple battle stars. The destroyer continued to serve during the Vietnam War, supporting naval gunfire missions before being decommissioned in 1970 and transferred to Taiwan.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: The USS John A. Bole (DD-755) was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander John Archibald Bole, Jr., a U.S. Navy officer who was killed during the Battle of Tulagi in World War II.
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Class & Commissioning: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, commissioned on March 3, 1945, at the tail end of World War II.
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World War II Service: Although commissioned late in WWII, she participated in the final operations against Japan, including patrolling off Okinawa and supporting occupation duties after Japan’s surrender.
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Korean War Action: USS John A. Bole saw extensive action during the Korean War, providing gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in blockades and shore bombardment missions.
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Inchon Landings: She played a significant role in the Inchon landings (Operation Chromite) in September 1950, offering vital naval gunfire that helped ensure the operation’s success.
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Standoff with China: In April 1951, the destroyer was ordered into Wonsan Harbor and came under fire from Chinese shore batteries, narrowly avoiding significant damage in a tense incident during the Korean War.
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Cold War Patrols: USS John A. Bole was regularly deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, conducting patrols and exercises during the tense Cold War years.
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Vietnam War Service: She provided naval gunfire support for ground forces, participated in search and rescue missions, and played a role in carrier escort and screening duties off the coast of Vietnam.
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Modernization: In the early 1960s, John A. Bole underwent a FRAM (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) overhaul, which updated her anti-submarine capabilities and extended her service life.
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Decommissioning and Fate: After more than 25 years of service, USS John A. Bole was decommissioned in 1970 and subsequently transferred to Taiwan, where she served with the Republic of China Navy as ROCS Han Yang (DD-15).
