About this Unit
USS Preston (DD-795) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in March 1944. She saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing escort, screening, and shore bombardment support during key operations such as the Marianas, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa campaigns. After World War II, Preston was decommissioned but later recommissioned for service during the Korean War, where she participated in patrol and bombardment duties. The destroyer was finally decommissioned in 1969 and later transferred to Turkey, serving as TCG Icel (D 344).
Historical Facts
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Fletcher-class Destroyer: USS Preston (DD-795) was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most successful and numerous classes of destroyers built for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
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Namesake Legacy: She was the fifth U.S. Navy ship named "Preston," honoring Lieutenant Samuel W. Preston, who was killed during the Civil War assault on Fort Fisher in 1865.
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Launch and Commission: USS Preston was launched on April 12, 1943, by Bethlehem Steel Co. in Staten Island, New York, and commissioned on August 20, 1943.
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World War II Service: Preston participated in major Pacific Theater operations, including the Marshall Islands campaign, the Marianas campaign, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the Okinawa campaign.
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Surviving Kamikaze Attacks: During the Okinawa campaign, Preston faced numerous kamikaze air attacks and survived without significant damage, showcasing her crew’s skill and resilience.
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Presidential Unit Citation: For her actions during the Leyte Gulf operations, Preston’s task group received the Presidential Unit Citation, one of the highest unit awards in the U.S. military.
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Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, Preston provided naval gunfire support, screened aircraft carriers, and conducted patrols along the Korean coast.
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Cold War Duties: After Korea, she served in the Pacific, conducting patrols, training exercises, and goodwill visits during the Cold War era.
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Transfer to Turkey: In 1969, Preston was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Icel (D 344) until her decommissioning in 1981.
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Battle Stars: USS Preston earned eight battle stars for her World War II service and two battle stars for her Korean War service, reflecting her distinguished combat record.
