UsSS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852)

• Namesake Heroism: The USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) was named after Private First Class Leonard F. Mason, a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Battle of Guam in World War II. • Gearing-class Destroyer: The ship was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most numerous and successful classes of destroyers built for the U.S. Navy during and after World War II. • Commissioning: The USS Leonard F. Mason was commissioned on April 4, 1946, at the Boston Naval Shipyard, entering service just after the end of World War II. • Korean War Service: The destroyer saw action during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support for United Nations forces and participating in patrol and escort duties. • FRAM Modernization: In 1960, the ship underwent a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) overhaul, which updated its weaponry and sensor systems, allowing it to serve effectively into the Cold War era. • Vietnam War Operations: The USS Leonard F. Mason was actively involved in the Vietnam War, where it performed search and rescue operations, shore bombardments, and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers. • Pueblo Incident Response: In 1968, the destroyer was part of the U.S. naval force sent to the Sea of Japan following the North Korean capture of the USS Pueblo (AGER-2). • Rescue at Sea: In 1972, the ship assisted in the rescue of 11 South Vietnamese refugees from a sinking boat in the South China Sea, highlighting its humanitarian role. • International Service: After decommissioning from the U.S. Navy in 1976, the vessel was transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where it served as Kriezis (D217) until 1991. • Legacy: The USS Leonard F. Mason earned two battle stars for service during the Korean War and six battle stars for service during the Vietnam War, a testament to its long and distinguished operational history.