About this Unit
USS Taussig (DD-746) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. Named after Rear Admiral Edward D. Taussig, she saw intense action during the final campaigns of World War II, providing fire support during the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, Taussig served in the Korean War, conducting patrols and shore bombardments, and later participated in Vietnam War operations, including carrier escort and gunfire support. Decommissioned in 1970, she was transferred to Taiwan, where she served as ROCS Lo Yang (DD-14).
Historical Facts
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Namesake: The USS Taussig (DD-746) was named after Rear Admiral Edward D. Taussig, a notable figure in the U.S. Navy who played a key role in the formal annexation of Wake Island in 1899.
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Class and Type: USS Taussig was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, a class known for improved anti-aircraft capabilities and advanced armament over previous destroyer designs.
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World War II Service: Commissioned on May 20, 1944, Taussig participated in several Pacific campaigns during World War II, including the Okinawa invasion and operations off the coast of Japan.
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Kamikaze Attack Survivor: During the Okinawa campaign in 1945, USS Taussig was attacked by Japanese kamikaze aircraft but survived without suffering major damage, thanks to her crew's anti-aircraft gunnery.
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Korean War Service: Taussig served actively during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in the blockade of North Korean ports.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The destroyer was deployed multiple times during the Vietnam War, where she conducted naval gunfire support missions, search and rescue operations, and carrier escort duties.
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Operation "Sea Dragon": In the Vietnam War, Taussig participated in "Operation Sea Dragon," targeting North Vietnamese logistic craft and coastal defenses, earning commendations for her performance.
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Humanitarian Assistance: In 1945, following Japan's surrender, Taussig assisted in the evacuation of Allied prisoners of war from Japanese camps, providing medical aid and transportation.
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Longevity and Modifications: Over her 30 years of service, Taussig underwent several modernizations, including upgrades to her radar, sonar, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, adapting to Cold War threats.
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Final Fate: USS Taussig was decommissioned on January 2, 1970, and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, where she served as ROCS Lo Yang (DD-14/912) until her final decommissioning in 1999.
