About this Unit
USS William C. Lawe (DD-763) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy in December 1946. Named after Lieutenant William C. Lawe, she served during the Cold War era, participating in numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments, including support for the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade in 1962. The ship was also active during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support and serving on Yankee Station. After over three decades of service, USS William C. Lawe was decommissioned in October 1983 and later sunk as a target in 1999.
Historical Facts
• Namesake Heroism: USS William C. Lawe (DD-763) was named after Ensign William C. Lawe, a Navy officer killed during the Battle of Tassafaronga in World War II, posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery.
• Gearing-Class Destroyer: The ship was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most prolific and enduring destroyer designs used by the U.S. Navy during and after World War II.
• Commissioning Date: William C. Lawe was commissioned on December 18, 1946, too late to participate in WWII but went on to serve in several major Cold War conflicts.
• Korean War Service: The ship saw action during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duty, and patrolling duties.
• Vietnam War Operations: William C. Lawe participated extensively in the Vietnam War, supporting ground forces with gunfire and serving on search and rescue missions for downed pilots.
• Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the destroyer played a role in the naval quarantine of Cuba, helping enforce the U.S. blockade.
• Rescue Operations: In 1966, the ship rescued the crew of a burning Liberian freighter, SS Concordia Falcon, in the Atlantic Ocean, earning commendations for the crew's heroic efforts.
• Fleet Modernization: William C. Lawe underwent FRAM I (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) conversion in the early 1960s, receiving new anti-submarine capabilities and an improved superstructure.
• Longest-Serving Gearing: By the time of her decommissioning in 1983, William C. Lawe was one of the longest-serving Gearing-class destroyers still active in the U.S. Navy.
• Final Fate: After decommissioning, the ship was sunk as a target during fleet exercises in 1987, ending over 35 years of distinguished service.
