USS Moale (DD-693)

• Namesake: USS Moale (DD-693) was named after Edward Moale, Jr., a distinguished officer who served during the American Civil War and the Spanish–American War. • Class: USS Moale was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, a class renowned for its improved anti-aircraft capabilities and firepower compared to its predecessors. • Commissioning: She was commissioned on 28 February 1944, joining the U.S. Navy during the height of World War II. • Battle of Leyte Gulf: Moale played a key role in the Battle of Surigao Strait, part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944, one of history's largest naval battles. • Night Engagement: During the Battle of Surigao Strait, Moale, along with USS McDermut and USS Monssen, launched successful torpedo attacks against Japanese battleships and destroyers during a dramatic night action. • Kamikaze Encounters: Moale survived several kamikaze attacks during the Okinawa campaign in 1945, sustaining some damage but continuing her mission. • Korean War Service: After World War II, Moale was recommissioned to serve during the Korean War, conducting shore bombardments and carrier escort duties. • Humanitarian Missions: The destroyer was involved in rescue operations, including saving survivors from other ships and downed airmen during her service. • Cold War Deployments: Moale participated in various NATO exercises and cruises in the Mediterranean and Atlantic during the Cold War, representing American naval power abroad. • Decommissioning: USS Moale was decommissioned on 2 July 1973, after nearly three decades of service, and was later sold for scrap in 1974.