About this Unit
USS Lowry (DD-770) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1944. She served with distinction during World War II, participating in the Battle of Okinawa and providing vital anti-aircraft and shore bombardment support. After the war, Lowry saw action during the Korean War and later operated in the Atlantic and Mediterranean during the Cold War, supporting NATO operations. Decommissioned in 1973, USS Lowry earned multiple battle stars for her service across three major conflicts.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Lowry (DD-770) was named in honor of Lieutenant General Robert Lowry, a distinguished United States Army officer who served in the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War.
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Class and Commission: USS Lowry was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, commissioned on 23 December 1944.
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World War II Service: After shakedown and training, Lowry joined the Pacific Fleet and participated in operations off Okinawa, providing anti-aircraft and shore bombardment support.
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Kamikaze Attacks: During the Battle of Okinawa, USS Lowry was attacked by kamikaze aircraft but managed to shoot down several and avoid serious damage.
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Post-War Occupation: Following Japan’s surrender, Lowry was part of the occupation forces, operating in the Yellow Sea and supporting the landing of occupation troops in Korea and China.
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Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, Lowry conducted shore bombardments and patrolled off the Korean coast, supporting United Nations forces.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: In October 1962, Lowry was deployed as part of the naval quarantine during the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping enforce the blockade on Soviet shipments.
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Vietnam War Operations: The ship saw extensive action off Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support, search and rescue, and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers.
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Notable Rescue: In 1967, Lowry rescued the crew of a downed U.S. Navy aircraft under hostile conditions off the coast of Vietnam.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Lowry was decommissioned on 18 February 1973. She was struck from the Navy List and later sold for scrap in 1977, concluding nearly three decades of distinguished service.
