About this Unit
USS Maddox (DD-731) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing fire support at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and participating in anti-aircraft and anti-submarine operations. After the war, Maddox was modernized and saw further service during the Korean War, supporting United Nations forces along the Korean Peninsula. Most notably, USS Maddox became famous for her involvement in the Gulf of Tonkin Incident in August 1964, which played a key role in escalating U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Maddox (DD-731) was named after Captain William A. T. Maddox, a distinguished officer of the United States Marine Corps who served during the Mexican-American War.
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Class and Construction: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, launched on March 19, 1944, by the Bath Iron Works in Maine and commissioned on June 2, 1944.
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World War II Service: Maddox participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and supported the landings at Okinawa, engaging in anti-aircraft defense and shore bombardments.
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Kamikaze Attack: On January 21, 1945, Maddox was struck by a kamikaze aircraft near Luzon, causing significant damage and casualties, but she continued to operate after repairs.
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Korean War: Maddox served in the Korean War, conducting shore bombardments, escort missions, and patrols from 1950 to 1953.
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Gulf of Tonkin Incident: On August 2, 1964, Maddox was involved in the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, which led directly to the escalation of the Vietnam War and the passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.
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Controversy: The events of August 4, 1964, involving a reported second attack on Maddox and USS Turner Joy, remain controversial, as subsequent evidence suggested the attack may never have occurred.
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Vietnam War Service: Following the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, Maddox continued to serve in Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support and participating in "Operation Sea Dragon."
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Decommissioning: USS Maddox was decommissioned from US Navy service on March 2, 1969, after 25 years of active duty.
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Museum Ship: After being transferred to Taiwan and serving as ROCS Po Yang (DD-10), the ship was eventually retired and is now preserved as a museum ship in Taiwan, allowing visitors to learn about her storied history.
