USS Lloyd E Acree (DE-356)

• Namesake: USS Lloyd E. Acree (DE-356) was named in honor of Private Lloyd Edgar Acree, a U.S. Army soldier who received the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously for heroism in the Philippines during World War II. • Ship Class: The vessel was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort, built for anti-submarine and convoy escort duties during World War II. • Launch and Commissioning: USS Lloyd E. Acree was launched on March 21, 1944, at Consolidated Steel Corporation in Orange, Texas, and commissioned on July 1, 1944. • Service in the Pacific: The ship served primarily in the Pacific Theater, performing escort duties, anti-submarine patrols, and supporting amphibious operations. • Kamikaze Encounter: While operating off the Philippines, the ship faced the threat of Japanese kamikaze attacks, highlighting the danger destroyer escorts faced during the war. • Convoy Escort Missions: USS Lloyd E. Acree escorted vital supply convoys between New Guinea, the Philippines, and other Pacific islands, ensuring safe passage for troops and materials. • Post-War Duties: After Japan’s surrender, the ship assisted in occupation duties, including transporting personnel and supporting the reestablishment of Allied control. • Decommissioning: The ship was decommissioned on November 27, 1946, at Green Cove Springs, Florida, and entered the Atlantic Reserve Fleet. • Final Fate: USS Lloyd E. Acree was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on June 1, 1970, and sold for scrap in October 1972. • Legacy: The ship earned one battle star for its World War II service, and its legacy continues through the story of its heroic namesake and its contributions to Allied victory in the Pacific.