USS Putnam (DD-757)

• Namesake: USS Putnam (DD-757) was named in honor of Charles Flint Putnam, a distinguished naval aviator who was lost during the Battle of Midway in June 1942. • Class and Type: The ship was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, an important class that featured improved anti-aircraft capabilities and dual-purpose guns. • Commissioning: USS Putnam was launched on 26 September 1944 and commissioned on 12 December 1944 at Bethlehem Steel Co., Staten Island, New York. • World War II Service: The destroyer saw action in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing fire support for landings at Okinawa and rescuing downed pilots. • Kamikaze Attacks: During the Okinawa campaign, USS Putnam was attacked by kamikaze aircraft but managed to evade direct hits, demonstrating the skill of her crew. • Rescue Operations: On 6 April 1945, Putnam rescued survivors from the sinking USS Bush (DD-529) and USS Colhoun (DD-801), displaying commendable bravery under fire. • Postwar Activities: After World War II, the ship participated in occupation duties in Japan and was present in Tokyo Bay during the formal Japanese surrender. • Korean War Service: USS Putnam was recommissioned for the Korean War, providing shore bombardment, screening carriers, and serving in the Taiwan Strait. • Cold War Deployments: The destroyer continued its service during the Cold War, conducting Mediterranean and Atlantic deployments, and participating in NATO exercises. • Decommissioning and Fate: USS Putnam was finally decommissioned on 6 October 1973 and was sold for scrap in 1975, concluding nearly 30 years of distinguished service.