About this Unit
USS John R. Pierce (DD-753) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in December 1944. She served in the Pacific Theater during the final months of World War II, providing escort and screening duties for carrier task forces. During the Korean War, John R. Pierce participated in shore bombardments and patrol operations. The destroyer continued her service throughout the Cold War, including Mediterranean and Atlantic deployments, before being decommissioned in 1973.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS John R. Pierce (DD-753) was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander John Reeves Pierce, a submarine commander who was killed in action during World War II aboard USS Pickerel (SS-177).
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Class: The ship was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, a class known for their improved anti-aircraft armament and versatility during World War II and the Cold War.
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Launch and Commissioning: USS John R. Pierce was launched on 1 January 1944 by Bethlehem Steel Co., Staten Island, New York, and commissioned on 30 June 1944.
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World War II Service: The destroyer provided escort and patrol duties in the Pacific Theater, including support for the invasion of Okinawa in 1945, where she endured frequent kamikaze attacks.
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Korean War Operations: During the Korean War, she performed screening, shore bombardment, and patrol duties, participating in actions such as the siege of Wonsan and operations off the Korean coast.
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Rescue Operations: In 1956, USS John R. Pierce played a role in the rescue of passengers from the sinking Italian liner Andrea Doria after its collision with the Stockholm off Nantucket.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: The ship participated in the naval blockade (quarantine) of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, helping to enforce U.S. policy during a critical Cold War standoff.
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Vietnam Era: Although mainly serving in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, the destroyer also made deployments in support of Vietnam War operations, showcasing its long service adaptability.
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Humanitarian Missions: Throughout her career, the USS John R. Pierce was involved in several humanitarian missions, including disaster relief and rescue operations, reflecting the diverse roles of destroyers in peacetime.
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Decommissioning and Fate: The ship was decommissioned on 2 July 1973 and later sold for scrap, ending nearly three decades of distinguished service in the U.S. Navy.
