USS Wadsworth DD 516

• Namesake: USS Wadsworth (DD-516) was named in honor of Commodore Alexander S. Wadsworth, a distinguished officer in the United States Navy who served during the War of 1812. • Class and Commissioning: She was a Fletcher-class destroyer, one of the most famous and numerous classes of destroyers in World War II, and was commissioned on March 16, 1943. • Baptism of Fire: The Wadsworth saw her first major action in the Solomon Islands campaign, supporting landings and engaging in anti-aircraft and anti-submarine operations. • D-Day at Normandy (Pacific-Style): She played a key role as the lead destroyer during the initial landings at Guam in July 1944, providing close fire support and silencing enemy positions. • Kamikaze Encounters: During the Okinawa campaign, Wadsworth faced relentless kamikaze attacks, successfully shooting down several enemy planes, and survived the intense air raids that claimed many other ships. • Rescue Operations: Wadsworth rescued numerous downed American pilots and sailors during her Pacific tours, often braving enemy fire and hazardous conditions to do so. • Presidential Escort: In July 1944, the ship was part of the escort for the USS Baltimore, which carried President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Pearl Harbor for a meeting with Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur. • Battle Stars: For her service during World War II, USS Wadsworth earned seven battle stars, a testament to her extensive and distinguished combat record. • Post-War Service: After World War II, she was transferred to the West German Navy in 1959, where she served as Zerstörer 3 (D172) until 1980. • Legacy: Wadsworth’s bell is preserved and displayed at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., serving as a tribute to her crew and her storied service.