USS Laws (DD-558)

• Fletcher-class Destroyer: USS Laws (DD-558) was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most successful and numerous destroyer classes built by the United States during World War II. • Namesake: The ship was named in honor of Alexander Laws, a U.S. Navy officer who served with distinction during the War of 1812. • Commissioned in 1943: USS Laws was launched on July 21, 1942, at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation and commissioned on November 18, 1943. • Pacific Theater Veteran: The destroyer served extensively in the Pacific Theater, participating in major battles such as the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the invasion of Okinawa. • Kamikaze Defense: USS Laws played a crucial role in anti-aircraft defense during the Okinawa campaign, successfully shooting down several kamikaze aircraft. • Support for Carrier Task Forces: The ship often operated as a screening vessel for fast carrier task forces, protecting aircraft carriers from submarine and air attacks. • Rescue Operations: Laws performed several rescue missions, saving downed pilots and survivors from damaged ships amidst combat operations. • Post-War Service: After World War II, USS Laws was decommissioned in 1946 but later recommissioned for service during the Korean War from 1951 to 1957. • Battles Stars: The destroyer earned nine battle stars for its service during World War II and an additional two battle stars for Korean War service. • Final Fate: USS Laws was finally decommissioned in 1957 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1971, before being sold for scrap in 1972.