About this Unit
USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946, named in honor of Marine Private First Class Leonard F. Mason, a Medal of Honor recipient. The ship served extensively during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, Leonard F. Mason participated in operations such as "Sea Dragon" and performed search and rescue missions. Decommissioned in 1976, she was later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, serving as HS Leon until her final decommissioning.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Hero: USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) was named after Private First Class Leonard F. Mason, a United States Marine awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for heroic actions during the Battle of Guam in World War II.
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Gearing-class Destroyer: The ship was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and versatile classes of destroyers built for the U.S. Navy during and after World War II.
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Commissioned in 1946: USS Leonard F. Mason was commissioned on 4 April 1946, just after the end of World War II, and began its service during the early stages of the Cold War.
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Korean War Service: The destroyer saw action during the Korean War, where it provided naval gunfire support, screened aircraft carriers, and participated in anti-submarine operations.
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Vietnam War Operations: USS Leonard F. Mason was deployed multiple times to the Western Pacific during the Vietnam War, conducting shore bombardments, search and rescue missions, and plane guard duties for carriers.
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1966 Gemini Rescue: In July 1966, the ship played a key role in the recovery of Gemini 10 astronauts John Young and Michael Collins after their splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.
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FRAM Modernization: The ship underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul in the early 1960s, which upgraded its anti-submarine capabilities and extended its operational life.
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Friendly Fire Incident: On 18 June 1972, while operating off the coast of Vietnam, the ship was mistakenly fired upon by U.S. Air Force aircraft but sustained no serious damage.
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Transfer to Greece: After nearly three decades of U.S. service, the destroyer was transferred to the Hellenic Navy in 1976, where it served as Kriezis (D217) until 1991.
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Final Fate: The ship was decommissioned and scrapped after its service with the Greek Navy, marking the end of a distinguished operational history spanning over 45 years.
