USS Mansfield (DD-728)

• Namesake: USS Mansfield (DD-728) was named after Lieutenant Duncan Mansfield, a U.S. Navy officer who served with distinction during the American Civil War. • Class and Commission: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, commissioned on 14 April 1944 at Bath, Maine. • World War II Service: Mansfield participated in the pivotal Battle of Okinawa, providing fire support and anti-aircraft defense during the invasion in 1945. • Kamikaze Attack: On 5 May 1945, Mansfield assisted survivors of the destroyer USS Morrison, which was sunk by kamikaze attacks off Okinawa. • Korean War Valor: During the Korean War, Mansfield was heavily engaged in shore bombardments and was struck by a mine off the coast of North Korea on 30 September 1950, suffering significant damage and casualties. • Heroic Rescue: Despite the mine damage, the crew's quick action saved the ship, and Mansfield managed to return to port under her own power. • Vietnam War Operations: The ship served four deployments off Vietnam, conducting naval gunfire support, search and rescue, and carrier escort duties. • Presidential Escort: In 1947, USS Mansfield was part of the naval escort for President Harry S. Truman as he traveled to South America on the presidential yacht USS Williamsburg. • Decommissioning: After an illustrious career spanning three wars, Mansfield was decommissioned on 4 February 1971 and struck from the Navy list in 1973. • Awarded Honors: Over her service, USS Mansfield received five battle stars for World War II, five for the Korean War, and three for Vietnam service, reflecting her extensive and distinguished combat record.