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History of USS De Haven (DD-727)

USS De Haven (DD-727) was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She saw extensive service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in operations such as the Battle of Leyte Gulf and supporting amphibious landings. After the war, De Haven was active during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support and screening aircraft carriers. The ship continued to serve through the Vietnam War before being decommissioned in 1973 and eventually transferred to the South Korean Navy.

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ABOUT USS De Haven (DD-727)

  • Namesake: USS De Haven (DD-727) was named after Lieutenant Edwin J. De Haven, a U.S. Navy officer and Arctic explorer who served with distinction during the 19th century.
  • Class and Type: She was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, part of a class noted for improved armament and anti-aircraft capabilities over earlier destroyers.
  • World War II Action: Commissioned in March 1944, De Haven saw immediate action in the Pacific, participating in the Marianas, Philippines, and Okinawa campaigns.
  • Kamikaze Attack: During the Battle of Okinawa in May 1945, De Haven was struck by a kamikaze, resulting in casualties and significant damage, but the crew managed to keep her afloat and operational.
  • Rescue Operations: De Haven was credited with rescuing survivors from the USS Longshaw after it ran aground and was destroyed off Okinawa.
  • Korean War Service: Reactivated for the Korean War, De Haven provided gunfire support and participated in the famous Inchon landings in September 1950.
  • “Train Buster”: She earned the nickname “Train Buster” for destroying North Korean supply trains by conducting daring close-to-shore bombardments.
  • Vietnam War Deployments: De Haven served multiple tours off Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support and plane guard duties for aircraft carriers during the conflict.
  • Decommissioning and Transfer: After nearly three decades of service, De Haven was decommissioned in 1973 and transferred to the South Korean Navy, where she served as ROKS Incheon (DD-98).
  • Battle Stars: Over her U.S. Navy career, USS De Haven earned five battle stars for World War II service, five for Korea, and another five for her Vietnam service, highlighting her distinguished combat record.

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