About this Unit
USS Murray (DD-576) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in April 1943. During World War II, she served extensively in the Pacific Theater, participating in major operations such as the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Marianas, and Leyte Gulf. Murray provided vital fire support, screened aircraft carriers, and engaged in anti-submarine patrols, contributing to the success of numerous amphibious assaults. After the war, she assisted in the occupation of Japan before being decommissioned in 1946.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Murray (DD-576) was named after Captain Alexander Murray, a distinguished officer in the United States Navy who served during the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
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Fletcher-class Destroyer: Murray was part of the prolific Fletcher-class, one of the most successful and numerous destroyer classes ever built, with 175 ships commissioned.
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Commissioned in 1943: USS Murray was launched on 16 June 1942 by Consolidated Steel Corporation in Orange, Texas, and commissioned on 20 April 1943.
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Pacific Theater Service: Murray served extensively in the Pacific during World War II, participating in operations such as the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Marianas, Leyte, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
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Battle Stars: The ship earned 11 battle stars for her World War II service, reflecting her active participation in major combat operations.
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Kamikaze Defense: During the Okinawa campaign, Murray provided crucial anti-aircraft cover, shooting down several Japanese kamikaze planes and protecting larger ships from attack.
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Rescue Operations: Murray was involved in several rescue missions, picking up downed pilots and survivors from damaged or sunk vessels, sometimes under heavy fire.
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Post-WWII Service: After World War II, Murray was placed in reserve but was recommissioned during the Korean War in 1951 and served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
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Cold War Patrols: Murray participated in NATO exercises and patrolled the Mediterranean as part of the U.S. 6th Fleet, helping to deter Soviet expansion during the early Cold War.
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Decommissioning and Fate: Murray was finally decommissioned in 1965 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1972. She was sold for scrap in 1974, ending over three decades of service.
