About this Unit
USS Taylor (DDE-468) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, commissioned in June 1942. She saw extensive action during World War II in the Pacific Theater, participating in key operations such as the Solomon Islands campaign and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. After the war, Taylor was modernized and reclassified as a destroyer escort (DDE) in 1949, serving during the Korean War and later in the Vietnam War. Throughout her distinguished career, USS Taylor earned 15 battle stars before being decommissioned in 1969.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Taylor (DD/DDE-468) was named after Rear Admiral William Rogers Taylor, a distinguished US Navy officer who served during the Civil War.
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Benson-class Destroyer: The ship was a Benson-class destroyer, a class known for their speed, durability, and service throughout World War II.
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Commissioned in 1942: USS Taylor was launched on 7 June 1942 and commissioned on 28 August 1942, rapidly entering service during the critical early years of WWII.
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Guadalcanal Campaign: Taylor played a key role in the Solomon Islands campaign, including escorting supply convoys and providing fire support during the Battle of Guadalcanal.
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"The Destroyer That Led the Fleet": Taylor was famously the first US warship to enter Tokyo Bay at the end of World War II, leading the occupation fleet on 29 August 1945.
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Kamikaze Attacks: Taylor survived several kamikaze attacks and near-misses during operations in the Pacific, showcasing the crew's resilience and the ship's durability.
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Korean War Service: After World War II, Taylor was recommissioned as a DDE (escort destroyer) and participated in the Korean War, performing patrol and escort duties.
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Operation Crossroads: Taylor participated in the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in 1946, part of the historic Operation Crossroads.
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Decorations: USS Taylor earned 15 battle stars for her service in World War II and 5 for her service during the Korean War, making her one of the most decorated ships of her class.
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Decommissioning and Fate: She was finally decommissioned on 6 May 1969 and sold for scrap in 1971, ending a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades.
