About this Unit
USS Radford (DD-446) was a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in July 1942. She served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major campaigns such as the Solomon Islands, the Battle of Kolombangara, and the Philippines. Radford was renowned for her aggressive anti-submarine and rescue operations, notably rescuing hundreds of survivors from sunken ships. After the war, she saw service during the Korean War before being decommissioned in 1946, briefly recommissioned in 1950, and ultimately struck from the naval register in 1969.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Honor: USS Radford (DD-446) was named after Rear Admiral William Radford, a distinguished officer who served in the U.S. Navy during the Mexican-American War and the Civil War.
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Class and Construction: She was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most famous and numerous destroyer classes built for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
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Launch and Commission: Radford was launched on May 3, 1942, by the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Kearny, New Jersey, and commissioned on July 22, 1942.
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First Combat Action: Radford’s first combat experience was in the Solomon Islands campaign, participating in the Battle of Kula Gulf in July 1943, where she helped rescue over 450 survivors from the sinking USS Helena (CL-50).
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Highly Decorated: By the end of World War II, Radford earned 12 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for her outstanding service.
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Tokyo Express Interceptor: Radford was renowned for her aggressive attacks against the Japanese “Tokyo Express” supply convoys, damaging or sinking several enemy ships.
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Kamikaze Defense: During the Philippines campaign, Radford played a key role in anti-aircraft defense, shooting down multiple Japanese aircraft, including kamikazes.
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Post-War Service and Reserve: After World War II, Radford was decommissioned in 1946, but she was recommissioned for service during the Korean War and served again from 1950 to 1957.
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Final Fate: Radford was eventually decommissioned and sunk as a target off the coast of California during naval exercises on March 5, 1969.
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Legacy: Parts of USS Radford’s wreck, including her bell and artifacts, have been preserved and are displayed in museums, commemorating her storied service and the sailors who served aboard her.
