Rudderow class (TEV-WGT) 1943

The TEV and WGT classes (better known as the Rudderow class from its lead vessel and John C. Butler for the WGT subclass) were a large series (252 and 293 planned, 22 and 83 completed as DE, 51 as high speed transports (APD). This class of escort destroyers parallelled the diesel-powered the GMT and TE types (Evarts and Buckley) and DET/FMR (Cannon) in having steam turbines, respectively from General Electric (TEV) and Westinghouse (WGT) and adopted the “long hull” with revised superstructures, built only for US use.
In total, USN would build 563 destroyer escort (1,000 ordered, cancelled 1943) with differences in propulsion. Next on our list will be the DET/FMR (Cannon class). They really were unsung heroes of WW2. Their career was short as they ended on the disposal list once their job was completed, with immense majority scrapped after 1947 some exported through MDAP program to allies and friendly nations across the globe in the Cold War, some still around in the 1970s. #ww2 #destroyerescort #rudderowclass #pacificwar #battleatlantic.
Note: Individual careers will be seen on the long run.

USS Rudderow DE-224 underway off the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard on 15 July 1944, IA colorized

Development

British Needs

We will not go into the numerous details concerning the genesis of the first “short hulls” or Evarts class (GMT) that, like the next Buckley class (TE) were also largely exported to Britain via-lend lease and used as the “Captain class”. Just let’s say that in late 1940, with France out of the picture, Britain now faced the combined Italo-German Navies respectively in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Losses, despite convoys being already well escorted from the start, started to grow, and the limitations of British shipyards soon became apparent. Traditional naval shipyards were swamped with orders or repairs, and it was soon necessary to turn to civilian yards to provide additional escort ships, albeit on a much simplified design, the Flower class. Long story short, the experience was good enough that the same yards were in order to build the more complicated, but more valuable River class frigates from 1942-43.

In between, the design of a proper destroyer escort was formulated even before the war in 1939 by the British Admiralty, and the result in 1940, the Hunt class, was really tailored for the job, far more valuable than the small Flower class corvettes or converted trawlers, but could only be built in Naval shipyards, as a proper military design. The problem was capacity, with the existing shipyards already working at full capacity. So well before the US went at war, the latter started provided Britain under lend-lease, and notably a breath of oxygen with the leasing of 50 ex-US destroyers to be used as escorts. So aside the Hunt class Type I ordered at Cammell Laird, Yarrow, Vickers, John Brown, Swan Hunter, Scotts, White, and Stephen, which required immediate and drastic revisions after suffering from grave design errors and deadly stability defects, the admiralty sent a commission in the US to negociate the construction by US yards of an equivalent to the Hunt class.

US Interest

This interested the US under CiC Admiral King as well, as the USN under budget constraints by the Congress could not expand its ASW capabilities in case of war. Many estimated its large fleet of “four piper” in reserve would be reactivated to do the job in the event of a conflict. But the Wickes-Clemsons were hardly useful as ASW escorts. They had been designed first and foremost as fleet escorts and for speed rather than range, with a heavy anti-surface armament, albeit all had throwers and depth charge racks. Plus, Admiral King initially opposed the lease of fifty ships to the RN in 1940. There were also plans for a replacement for the ill-fated Ford “Eagle Boats” of 1918 and discussions with specialized Yards and naval architects. When the US took a more active stance in mid to late 1941 and shared the burden of escort work in their own territorial seas and beyond, the “quasi war” with Germany in 1941 only made the need for a dedicated ASW escort more pressing. We will not detail the events of the “quasi war”, just refer to the previous posts on the Buckley and Evarts for more.

The BDE Program

So, it was the British BDE program (1941) that started work in the US, through BuShips (Bureau of Ships), with a first type, the GMT and its successors, derived from a set of escort vessel design studies that the General Board requested already in 1940. The success of the British Hunt class once corrected, and the Mills-Cochrane mission led to a design for the “second-rate destroyer” when on June 23, 1941, the British Supply Council in North America requested that the Secretary of the Navy release a hundred escort ships over a long-term program.
They were to be armed with a dual-purpose main battery (three 3-in/50 instead of two single-purpose 4-in/50), triple torpedo to counter surface raiders, a heavy ASW suite and some AA to deal with the occasional Luftwaffe spotter. On August 15, 1941, the US President authorized the construction of 50 British destroyer escorts (BDE), despite the Bureau of Ships claims that standard destroyers could be provided much more easily.

In July 1941 Roosevelt also facilitated the British Government’s access to US shipyards’ proposals to design that escort, in addition to participating in the convoy escort to the mid-Atlantic until British ships would fully take over. The British wanted a copy of the Hunt class design, but the final US class ended into six classes for almost 500 ships produced. At first, they were required to have steam geared turbines for 24 kts., but production bottleneck led to adopt submarine-type diesel engines instead for the GMT. They were also further variations based on a single hull, with different engines and drive combinations and revised superstructures.

The new US design

The new design was larger, the US adding 130 tons and 33 feet in length. And so were born the “GMTs” for “GM Tandem” (diesel) drive ships. For the next iteration (TE), the hull was stretched, but the original horsepower was kept, and so architects saw the hull extension counterbalancing the displacement increase, still at 24 kts. Manufacturing needs to be made the “long hull” more standardized while other propulsion options led to the geared diesel drive (FMR for “reduction geared”, also half Power), while the original diesel-electric system, still long hull led to the “DET” this time with geared turbines using relatively tiny gears for the final “WGT”. All these variations over the same basic “long hull” were forced by production bottlenecks. They just could not be all provided with steam turbines. Otherwise the whole destroyer escort type could have been produced until 1944 under two basic classes, one short hull and one long hull. Instead, there were four distinct classes, one short, three long, with the last two TEV/WGT and DET/FRM mostly differing by their superstructures, lower and more minimalistic for increased stability, for what we are concerned about.

The main difference between the last two was that the TEV/WGT (or Rudderow class after the lead vessel) were designed with a revised superstructure wanted by BuShips (Bureau of Ships) and were truly the product of their own desiderata for the USN as these were all scheduled to be used solely by the USN, not the British admiralty. The next Cannon class (DET/FMR) kept the “British admiralty” style tall bridge and in general repeated the design of the TE class (Buckley) as diesel boats. So the most outlandish of the whole series of escort destroyers produced in the US in world war two was that Rudderow class, singular by their revised superstructures and steam turbines tailored by General Electric for the WGT, and the subclass John C. Butler Class (TEV) having a Turbo-Electric drive and 5-inch guns.

Production

The number of orders far outstripped the initial fifty with a total Program of 1005 units, notably 105 “GMTs”, 54 “TEs”, 252 “TEVs” (also known as “TEs” with 5-in guns), 293 “WGTs” and 116 “DET” as well as 85 “FMRs”. All was set up for the delivery of 260 units in 1943, but in reality, over 300 were delivered that year. Mass cancellations started in the autumn of 1943, 305 in September and by October 1944, 135, with many vessels modified as fast light transports (APD), with 51 “TEV” converted and only seven out of twenty radar picket conversions planned being completed in 1945. The “TEVs” and “WGTs” were completed in accordance with the original design, with weight and space reservations to install two enclosed 5-in/38 in lieu of the 3-in/50 guns. The 5-in not only had a better fire control but could be supplied with the new proximity fuse shells. They also still kept torpedo tubes, unlike the TE class, making them more efficient against surface threats.
The Royal Navy mandated the installation of hedgehogs, installed on all escort destroyers, and all but the “TEVs” and “WGTs” ended with the original high British-style bridge comparable to the 180-foot minesweeper/PCE first constructed in response to Admiralty requirements. The ships were are interested about indeed had a lower bridge, compared to the one found on the Sumner class destroyers and in some destroyer reconstructions, generalized for ships equipped with 5-in guns and somewhat influenced by modern British practice.
Some late-production ships were completed without the torpedo tubes, notably six “WGTs” (DE448—450, 510, 537, and 538) which instead had ten single 20mm, three twin 40mm, and one quadruple 40mm aft. The triple tubes were swapped out for Army type 40mm in four ships as well (DE575–578).

The Yards in charge were the following:

Rudderow (TEV):
Philadelphia Navy Yard, PA: 3 ships DE 224-225, 228.
Bethlehem, Hingham Shipyard, MA: 11 ships DE579 to 589
Bethlehem, Fore River Shipyard, MA: 3 ships DDE 684 to 686
Defoe Shipbuilding, MI: 4 ships DE-706 to 709 (latter APD-139)
Charleston N Yd: 7 ships, all cancelled in 1944: DE284 Vogelgesang, DE285 Weekes, DE286 Sutton, DE287 William M. Wood, DE288 William R. Rush, DE289 (unnamed), DE290 Williams.
Dravo, Pittsburgh: DE723 Walter X. Young cancelled June 1944.

John C. Bulter (WGT):
Consolidated Steel Corporation, Orange, Texas: DE-339 to 372
Brown Shipbuilding, Houston, Texas: DE-402 to 424
Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Newark, New Jersey: DE-438 to 510
Boston Naval Shipyard: DE-531 to 540.
Consolidated, Orange ships cancelled in June 1944: DE374 Lloyd Thomas, DE375 Keppler, DE376 Kleinsmith, DE377 Henry W. Tucker, DE378 Weiss, DE379 Francovich, DE380 (unnamed), DE381 (unnamed).
Boston N Yd, Charlestown ships, also cancelled at various dates:
DE541 Sheehen (laid down 11/1943, launched 27/12/1943) but suspended and cancelled 1/1946
DE542 Oswald A. Powers (11/1943, 27/12/1943, same).
DE543 Groves, laid down 12/1943 launched 27/1/1944, cancelled September 1944
DE544 Alfred Wolf laid down 12/1943 launched 27/1/1944, same.
Cancelled June 1944: Never laid down or launched:
DE545 Harold J. Ellison, DE546 Myles C. Fox, DE547 Charles R. Ware, DE548 Carpellotti, DE549 Eugene A. Greene, DE550 Gyatt, DE551 Benner, DE552 Kenneth D. Bailey, DE553 Dennis J. Buckley, DE554 Everett F. Larson, DE555 Rogers Blood, DE556 William R. Rush, DE557 William M. Wood.

Design of the TEV and WGT classes

Both had the same “long hulls” with flush-deck hulls for ease of construction and US standardization that was more production friendly, following the same practices developed for the Fletchers, Gearing and Allen M Sumner, with proven design solutions. However, this choice somewhat reduced useful space inside the hull, in particular under the sloped deck forward, imposing peculiar internal arrangements. The main changes in class are being review in the powerplant section.

Rudderow class (TEV)

The lead ship was USS Rudderow, launched on 14 October 1943. All had the same Electric steam turbo-electric drive engines, hence the “TEV” for “Turbo Electric, V'” (5 inches calibre in roman numeral). The hull was very similar to the Buckley class, but they sported indeed two 5-inch (127 mm) enclosed guns and two twin-40 mm mounts, instead of the three 3-inch (76 mm) open guns plus a twin-40 mm, one quad 1.1-inch (28 mm). The greatest change was the style of the bridge and pilothouse, low and enclosed compared.
The final 180 were cancelled near the end of the war and post-WW2 they saw service with Taiwan, South Korea, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and others. The remainder lingered in the reserve fleet until decommissioned. USS Ruchamkin (Colombian ARC Córdoba) was preserved at the Jaime Duque amusement park at Tocancipá, near Bogotá and is the sold survivor of the class.

Blueprints of the USS Holt, DE-224, Rudderow class

John C. Butler class (WGT)

The associated acronym WGT means “Westinghouse, Geared Turbine” meaning unlike the TEV, the transmission is classic, not turbo-electric, and thus offering less flexibility. This made these ships simpler to operate and less finicky as well, so more were produced overall: Of the 293 originally planned, 206 were cancelled in 1944, a further four just after being laid down, plus three were not completed until after the end of World War II. They also had two 5 in (127 mm) dual-purpose guns (so the correct acronym should have been “WGTV”), as well as four 40 mm and ten 20 mm AA guns and a triple 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes bank plus the usual ASW suite.
The John C. Butler Class also had as a distinguishing feature the size and number of the portholes in the pilothouse. The Rudderow has seven 16-inch portholes, the John C. Butler Class has nine, albeit both had three portholes facing the bow.

Hull and general design

Cutaway ONI of the TEV and WGT classes for instruction

Part of the design at that stage in mid-1943 (July, when DE-224 was laid down) was still dictated by shortages of both 5-inches/38 weapons and equipment, and it for the short time planned to have them provisionally armed with 3-inches/50 guns on three superfiring positions. But provision of enclosed standard 5-in/38 guns was secured in the end in 1943, leading the construction to proceed as initially planned. They kept a generous ASW equipment, including the most recent advancements.

Both the TEV and WGT shared the same “long hull” as their predecessors, that is an overall length of 306 ft (93.3 m) for a beam of 36 ft 6 in (11.1 m) and a draft of 11 ft (3.4 m) fully loaded, for the displacement of 1,740 tons (1,770 metric tons) fully loaded. Turbines made them however much heavier than the Edsall class (FMR) at 1,590 tons full load.
Despite their lower superstructures making them more stable, their small turbines guaranteed only 23 knots.

Instead of having a transom stern, they had a rounded and transom stern with some declivity. The hull lines were a variation of Gibbs & Cox’s “pear form” for the Fletcher class, with the greatest beam reaching roughly two thirds of the way aft. The deck space was ample, and the structures were measured, particularly for weight considerations. The prow ended in the same manner as the Fletcher class destroyer and had a standard stem that was halfway between clipper and straight. There was hardly much flare.

The forward draught was, as usual, less than the aft draught, and the percentage of the stem above water was 3/4 of that of the submerged half. The percentage above and below the waterline was roughly 50% aft. A little axial rudder aft (too small as it turned out), two angled down anti-roll keels, a keel tail, and two long shafts with twin struts for smoother departure lines were all included. Prior to the installation of 5-inch gun turrets when they became available in 1944, the TEV and WGT were practically identical, sister ships with extremely similar designs. Their hull length was the only distinction.

The biggest change as explained above was their superstructures, with the British admiralty style combined enclosed and open bridge one over the above changed for a smaller US style bridge, with the enclosed bridge, three-faceted and with 7 portholes being completed with two short wings, and an open bridge behind it rather than above. This shelved many tons and improved the metacentric height. The funnel was lowered as well, and the structure past the funnel, overall lower and simplified. This, combined with the heavier machinery (steam turbines and associated boilers) adding weight deeper, ensured the rudderow class had none of the stability issue of the other DEs. In that sense, they were probably the best of all 500+ vessels of the type produced in the USA.

Design Description

USS Holt, drawing of sections

Unlike the TE and GMT class, the Rudderow class no longer appeared “overloaded” but still had two forward 3-in guns as built due to 5-in/38 shortages, and one of the aft deck. Later this was changed when 5-in/38 guns were provided, one fitted forward and another aft, and a Hedgehog immediately aft of it, also on deck. Next came the forward single Bofors mount and associated fire control super firing behind, at the foot of the enclosed bridge.

It still had a distinctive, tall, raking mainmast behind the bridge with small radar support on top and standard lights. However, many had a secondary tripod mast installed in 1944 as well. The single raked and topped funnel was surrounded by Oerlikon AA gun positions. They were also bulwarked typically with a structure identical to destroyers and protecting the aft deck in heavy weather, replacing the traditional breakwater. These ships had two anchors and a small capstan. Due to their small size, these ships carried no boat for liaison and rescue at sea, only rafts of the Carlin type, positioned at the bridge’s forward foot.
The John C. Butler arrangement was considered very successful and formed a starting point in 1949 to design the post-war ASW escort of the Dealey class, the basis for a long lineage until the 1980s O.H. Perry and today’s Constellation class.

Powerplant: Turbines

The biggest change for this class compared to all others was in the powerplant. They were the only ones fitted with steam turbines, so the John C. Butler are often assimilated with the Rudderow in the big picture to simplify classifications. However, they differed by the choice of powerplant. The first had a set of two General Electric turbines with a turbo-electric transmission, giving them a great deal of flexibility in ASW operations, as they could change and adapt regimes on the fly while being less noisy than diesel boats.
However, the turbo-electric drive was still a complex system, even though it was mastered for decades, already installed on late standard US battleships. This made the TEV somewhat experimental ASW destroyers.

The cost and complexity of these systems led to another series powered by more conventional geared steam turbines from GE rival, Westinghouse, hence the WGT designation, or more commonly John. C. Butler class. The latter offered the advantage of a simpler maintenance and were better known and easier to manage for rookie crews. Both classes shared the same 3-bladed propellers, 8 ft 5 in (2.6 m) diameter. These double reduction geared turbines had an HP and LP stages, and the class had been prepared in the details by famous New York naval architects’ studio Gibbs and Cox, the design being tailored both for Westinghouse and General Electric supplied machinery.

TEV: General Electric steam turbo-electric drive engine (no boilers), 24 knots (most ships could attain 26/27 knots).
Range, based on 348t of oil was 5,500 nautical miles at 15 knots (10,200 km at 28 km/h) and n other sources, 6,000 nm at 16 knots.
WGT: 2 boilers, 2 geared turbine engines for 12,000 shp. (8,900 kW), speed 24.3 knots (28 mph; 45 km/h) on trials and 24 knots (28 mph; 44 km/h) in service, albeit other sources points out 23 knots instead.
The only differences between them was the choice of boilers:
DE339 to 372, and 402 to 424 had two Combustion Engineering boilers
DE373 to 379, 438 to 452, 508 to 510, 531 to 554 had two 2 Babcock & Wilcox boilers.
The range was based on a slightly lower oil storage of 347 tonnes, for an endurance of 4,650 nm at 12 knots.

Armament

5 inch/38 Mark 12 guns

All ships were completed with two 5-in/38 gun turrets, one forward and one aft, a far more potent combination for any gunnery combat and also for AA fire in the context of the pacific. These were essentially the same turrets sported also by the Fletcher class destroyers, dual purpose guns (anti-surface and anti-aircraft (AA)), but not controlled by a Mark 37 Gun Fire Control System as on fleet destroyer, which considerably diminished their efficience.

⚙ 5-in/38 Mark 12 specifications
Turret Mount: Mark 30 Mod 41: 41,400 lbs. (18,779 kg)
Barrel: 3,990 lbs. (1,810 kg) without breech, 223.8 in (5.683 m) long
Muzzle Velocity: 2,500 fps (762 mps) average
Rate of Fire: 15-22 rounds/minute
Elevation: -10 to +85°
Range: Max 85°, 2,940 yards (2,688 m)
Crew: 8 inside, 7 outside open src
Ammunition: c300 (360 on Fletcher)
Penetrating power: 13,800 yards (12,620 m): 1.0″ (25 mm) armor*
*with special common shell

Forward deck view of USS Chaffee DE-230

40mm/56 Mk 1.2

Possibly the best AA gun of World War II, at least for the Allies, the heavy puncher was widely used. On the superstructure, a twin mount was positioned aft.
The 40 mm (1.57 in) Bofors, which is still in use today and is renowned for its hitting power and dependability, requires no introduction. The manual handling of the gravity-fed, 4-round clips is the only thing limiting this 56-caliber (2.24 m/7.35 ft) gun’s 80–100 effective rate of fire, which is 120 rounds per minute (cyclic). With regard to airplanes, the muzzle velocity is 881 m/s (2,890 ft/s) and the effective range is 5,000 m (5,500 yd). In contrast to the Mark 2 quad mount, the Mk.1 was the Twin mount and was primarily unshielded.
Read more

20 mm/70 Mark 4 Oerlikon

On the GMT class they were distributed on several positions aft of the funnel initially, but the standard by 1944 was to have
Read More

Torpedo Tubes

All ships were completed with a triple 21″ torpedo tubes bank located on an elevated position on the roof of the structure aft of the funnel. They were later replaced by additional 40 mm guns.
The type is likely the same base model used from the Bensons and Fletcher, with two less tubes (The original Mark 14 is a quintuple bank) to preserve stability. This Mark of TT tubes is unknown (in research). The Mark 15 was studied in 1934-35 and produced in wartime as a standard for surface ships, with 9,700 between 1940 and 1944.

21-inch MK 15 Mod 3 torpedoes specs

Weight: 3,841 lbs. (1,742 kg)
Lenght: 24 ft (7.315 m)
Settings: 4,500 yds/45 kts – 9,000 yds/33.5 kts – 14,000 yds/26.5 kts
Propulsion: Wet-Heater steam turbine
Warhead: 801 lbs. (363 kg) TNT or 823 lbs. (373 kg) HBX
Exploder: Contact
Guidance: Mark 12 Mod 3 gyro
Reloads: None.

Aft view of USS Chaffee

Depth Charges

Eight DCT (Depth Charge Thrower or K) guns were standard equipment; four of them faced the aft quadrant and for the broadside. They were positioned aft on either side. Two 10-DC depth charge racks aft finished this, bringing the total number of depth charges to 120–160. This was a huge ship that was larger than any other US ship, indicating their area of expertise. This was their only ASW weapon until the Hedgehog was introduced and replaced the “B” mount.

Mark 7:

Most likely, the finished Mark 7 models were utilized. They weighed 745 pounds (338 kg) and carried a 600-pound (272 kilogram) TNT payload with a sink rate and terminal velocity of 9 feet per second (2.7 mps). They were designed in 1937 and went into service the following year. It was adjustable between 50 and 300 feet (15 and 91 meters).
In the early stages of World War II, it was essentially a modified Mark 4, which was installed as standard on all destroyers, destroyer escorts, and ASW ships. It was redesigned to make building easier. Due to rumours of U-boats that could reach more than 250 meters, Mod 1 raised the depth setting to 600 feet (183 meters) when it arrived in August 1942. With a higher sink rate of 13 frames per second (4 mps), Mod 2’s warhead was increased to 400 pounds (181.4 kg) of TNT.

Mark 8:

This variant, which was designed in 1941 and released in 1943, was a magnetic handgun with an aluminium case to prevent magnetic interference. Compared to earlier preset depth charges, this “proximity” model was significantly more sophisticated and accurate. With a sink rate of 11.5 fps (3.5 mps) and settings ranging from 50 to 500 feet (15-152 m), it was able to carry 270 lbs. (122 kg) of TNT despite weighing “only” 525 lbs. (238 kg). Compared to the Mark 6 or even the subsequent Mark 9, the USN deemed it seven times more deadly. However, when it blew up…

It required a lot of upkeep and was unreliable. So much so that the model was discontinued from service in 1945 and a backup hydrostatic pistol was installed. The magnetic pistol burst when 20–25 feet (6–7.5 m) got close after arming itself when it detected the hull from 35 feet (11 m) to 200 feet (61 m). It was sorted by 150 lbs. (68 kg) of lead weight because it was too light. With 76,000 manufactured, this model was hailed as a USN “secret weapon” that would help win the war in the Atlantic. However, crews immediately found weaknesses in it, and it was quickly withdrawn after the war, with about 57,000 remaining in storage by September 1945.

Mark 9:

This was the standard-issue DC from 1943 to 1945 and well beyond, and it was from the same generation as the Mark 8. Technically, they were essentially the same as the preceding Mark 7, but they had a “teardrop” shape that allowed for a significantly higher sink rate in tests. They also included fins to generate a stabilizing spin, which allowed them to sink much more precisely. The Mod 2 could be set up to 1,000 feet (305 meters), the sink rate could be lowered to 15 (4.5 mps) if necessary by installing spoiler plates on the nose that functioned as brakes, and the warhead TNT was swapped out for Torpex. To enable slower warships (DEs, Frigates, and Sub-Hunters) to avoid the explosion plume, they were supplied as kits.
Mods 0, 1, and 2 had warheads that ranged from 200 lbs. (91 kg) TNT to 190 lbs. (86 kg). They weighed 320 lbs./145 kg, 320 lbs./145 kg, and 340 lbs. (154 kg) accordingly. The sink rate also fluctuated, ranging from 14.5 fps (4.4 mps.) to 22.7 fps (6.9 mps.).
The settings ranged from 50 to 300 feet (15-91 m) or 600 feet (183 m), which is almost the same as the Mark 7.

About the K Guns (Mark 6)

In 1941, the Projector Mark 6 was released, firing a single depth charge of the Mark 6, 9, or 14. The distances covered in only 3.4 to 5.1 seconds range from 60 to 150 yards (55 to 137 meters). They were typically positioned three on each side aft on the deck, near the aft deckhouse, on all destroyers equipped. For destroyers, it is four to six, but for destroyer escorts, it can reach eight. They persisted until the 1950s, when their output was so high that lend-lease was also a major source of funding.

The depth charge was put into each K-Gun, which was made up of an arbor (holder) that was placed inside the projector. It was deemed a hazard, even though it could not be recovered until a cable was fastened to it after it fell into the sea. They were inexpensive metal parts that could be expanded. These were partially constructed from a 61 cm x 15 cm tube that was closed on one end and ended with a 12 by 31 inch (30.5 x 79 cm) tray on the other end. When shot, it became the primary projectile because it was designed to fit into the projector barrel. They weighed 70 pounds (32 kg) at first, then 65 pounds (29.5 kg) on later models, increasing range.
Black powder was utilized as the K-Gun propellant. The arbor was placed inside a tubular casing that measured 3″ (7.62 cm). The charge changed when the loads fluctuated between the required range of 60, 90, and 150 yards (55, 82, and 137 meters).
The USS Asheville (PF-1) tested the Mark 9’s built-in arbor in 1944, but the technology was too complicated and expensive to justify production in comparison to expandable arbors.
Thousands of tons of arbors are thought to have been placed on the Atlantic bottom following World War II, but they most likely rusted away because they were not given any special care.

Armament Variations

Rudderow:

DE-224, 225, 230, 231, as well as DE-284-290, 579-589, 706-709, and DE-723 were completed as standard with their two 5-in/38 Mk 12 guns, two twin 40mm/56 Mk 1/2 Boofrs and then single Oerlikon 20mm/70 Mk 4, plus the triple TT 21-in bank and a 24-tubes 178mm Hedgehog Mk.10 ASWRL plus 8 DCT and 2 DCR with 100 DCs in reserve.
DE-684 to 686 only change was eight 20mm/70 Mk 4 instead of ten.

John C. Butler:

DE-339-381, 402-424, 438-447, 451, 452, 508, 509, 531-536, and 541-557 had the same as above (from DE-224 onwards).
However DE448 to 450, 510 had three twin 20mm/70 Mk 4 AA plus ten single 20mm/70 Mk. 4.
DE-537 and DE-538 had a quad 40mm/56 Mk. 1/2 and three twin 40mm/56 Mk.1/2, plus ten 20mm/70 Mk 4 and same as above, making them quite formidable for anti-Kamikaze operations in the Pacific in 1945. DER-539 and 540 postwar had the new Mk.30 main guns, the quad and three triple Bofors 40mm/60 but six 20mm/70 Mk.10 Oerlikon and same as above.

Sensors

The TEV had SC, SF or SL or SU radars, QGA sonar
The WGT had SC, SF or SL or SU radars, QGA sonar
Cold War picket ships DER539, 540 had the SPS-10, SPS-29, Mk.25 radars, QGA sonar.

There too, it was pretty well-rounded for their mission, covering all aspects of surface, air and undersea passive or active detection.

SL Radar

Typical small 150 kW, 1300 lbs (590 kg) surface search radar designed for destroyer escorts.
The 300 lbs (136 kg)antenna was 45″ by 48″ (1.14m by 1.22m) parabolic in radome and PPi scope, 20 rpm and 100 feet/1 degrees accuracy.
Resolution 600 feet/6 degrees or 200 meters/25 degrees, 30 meters/1 degrees
Specs: Wavelength 10 cm, pulse Width 1.5 microsecond, Pulse Repetition Frequency 800 Hz
Range: 15 nm (30 km) low-flying bomber, 20 nm (35 km) cruiser, 13 nm (24 km) destroyer, 10 nm (20 km) submarine
829 SLs were manufactured in 1943-10, 480 SL-1 by 1944-7. They equipped the present destroyers and their successors. British crews were trained on them at first.

SA Radar

Standard small air search radar and first warning detector. Tailored for destroyers escorts and frigates, some were also found on destroyers. They were of the bed frame type, and relatively small. The SA-1 equipped rather destroyers.
Specs:
SA had an estimated reliable range of 40 miles on medium bombers at 10,000′, with antenna at 100′. Range accuracy is ± 100 yds. Bearing accuracy, ± 1° (lobe switching). No elevation.
The SA has 12 components and weighs a total of approximately 1500 lbs. The SA antenna measures 5′ x 8’8″. Including pedestal, it weighs 500 lbs.
The antenna should be mounted as high as possible, preferably 100 feet or more above the water, thus, on top of the mainmast of the GMT.
To operate, one operator per shift is required. PP required is 1950 watts at 115 volts, 60 cycles.
They were small enough to be fitted on sub-chasers and minesweepers as well.
See also

Type 128D SONAR

The type 128 was tested in 1937 in Acheron. It was retractable, under dome, and also equipped the A, L, and Hunt-class destroyers. So it was only fitting it was provided for the early GMT class escort destroyer as well. It was equipped with a range recorder and could be controlled from the bridge. However, it was discarded as soon as the more modern Type 144 was available.

Type 144 SONAR

This improved sonar set had a fixed gyro-stabilized oscillator using a gyro compass for bearing indication. It is fully integrated with the Hedgehog or later Squid ASW mortars. The Type 144Q later appeared with a second oscillator trained with the main oscillator, but elevated down further for close range, around 400 yards. The 144 had a much better range of 2800–3000 yards (1800-2800m) depending on conditions. The ship needed to go slow to use it without much interference. Note that some sources specifies a QGA sonar, US-pattern. It was perhaps installed postwar.

HF/DF

To detect enemy radar or radio emission and triangulate positions, the mast was topped by the characteristic cross-style antenna of the “Huff-Duff”, a British model built in the US as the FH 4 antenna. It was used as a MF Direction Finding array.

⚙ TE Destroyer Escort specifications
Displacement	1192t standard, 1,360-1,416 tons (fully loaded)
Dimensions	289 ft 6 in x 35 ft x 9 ft (88.22 x 10.7 x 2.7 m)
Propulsion	2 shafts, 4 × GM Model 16-278A diesels, electric drive
Speed	19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph) (top 21–22 knots)
Range	5,000 mi (4,300 nmi; 8,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)
Armament	3× 3 in/50, 7× 20 mm AA, Hedgehog, 160 DCs
Sensors	SL, SA radars, Type 128D/Type 144 ASDIC, HF/DF FH 4a
Crew	156

Modernizations

By July 1945, Bray was sent to a shipyard to a conversion into an APD, the sole of her class of 22 ships completed as DEs, wit a single 40mm/56 Mk.1/2 Bofors and a gantry for four LCVP and 162 troops.
In 1946, DE-224, 225, 230, 231, 579-589, 706-708 ended with an AA complement of two twin 40mm/60 Mk 1, ten 20mm/70 Mk 10, whereas DE-684, 685 and 686 had the new 5-in/38 Mk.30, and eight 20mm/70 Mk 10, and same as above.
APD139 retained her forward 5-n/38 Mk 30 main gun, three twin 40mm/60 Mk 1, eight 20mm/70 Mk 10, two DCR, and four LCVP plus accommodations for 162 troops.

As for the Bulter class, typically they sported the Mk.30 5-in/38 turret, two twin Bofors 40mm/60 Mk.1, ten 20mm/70 Mk.10, and same as the “starting pack”.
However, DE-448 to 450, and DE-510: Had as AA their three twin 40mm/60 Mk.1, three twin 20mm/70 Mk.24, ten 20mm/70 Mk.10, and same.
DE-537 and DE-538 had their quad Bofors 40mm/60 Mk.2 and three twin plus ten Oerlikon 20mm/70 Mk.10 instead.
USS Le Ray Wilson lost two twin 40mm/60 and the Hedgehog Mk.10 ASWRL for the Mk.14.
In 1952, USS Tweedy also lost two twin 40mm/60 and ten 20mm/70, plus a DCR for the addition or two 21-in(533mm) TT with two torpedoes in reserve, and no less that four 24x 178mm Hedgehog Mk.11 ASWRL, plus six DCT (153 DC at all) as a specialized ASW Cold War conversion.
In 1954, USS Lewis had the same but two 24x 178mm Hedgehog Mk.15 ASWRL, six twin DCT, and one DCR with 76 DCs in all as a more austere ASW conversion.

Miscellaneous Aspects on the Rudderow class

Naming

The TEV and WGT like all other destroyer escort classes were named after recently died USN servicemen, in a way to honour families and for maintaining the esprit the corps. Only those awarded a special decoration posthumously or citation, such as the Navy cross, were considered.
Here are a few examples:
Thomas Wright Rudderow was born on 8 August 1885 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attended the Pennsylvania Nautical School, was a navigator and watch officer in SS Adams and SS Mexico, Port Captain on Philadelphia in 1914, commissioned Ensign in the Naval Militia of Pennsylvania from July 1916, Federal service from 7 April 1917, assigned to the prize Prinz Eitel Friedrich, USS DeKalb and from July 1918, transferred to the U.S. Naval Reserve Force, then Destroyer Forces at Queenstown in Ireland, USS Allen November 1918, USS McCall until March 1919, relieved 25 June 1919, Naval Reserve. On 3 January 1942 Rudderow was superintendent and CO of the Pennsylvania Nautical School Ship Seneca, then assigned to the yacht USS Cythera for coastal patrol work from March, and KIA when his ship was torpedoed by U-402 off North Carolina on 2 May 1942.

General Evaluation

In all, only 22(21*) of the original Rudderow TEV class were completed as such: USS Rudderow, Day, Chaffee, Hodges, Riley, Leslie L.B. Knox, McNulty, Metivier, George A. Johnson, Charles J. Kimmel, Daniel A. Joy, Lough, Thomas F. Nickel, Peiffer, Tinsman, DeLong, Coates, Eugene E. Elmore, Holt, Jobb and USS Parle. These will be seen in the “career section” unlike the APDs which will have their own separated article.
Seventy-two Rudderows (TEV) were built, with 69 completed by the time of the surrender of Japan on 2 September 1945, two more in September, one in November. Only 21 saw service as destroyer escorts while the last 47 delivered before the war ended were commissioned as APDs after modifications, plus one, initially part of the 22 DEs converted in service as an APD. Three other APDs were completed postwar as well. The TEV class sustained no losses in operations. However, USS Hodges on 9 January 1945 was damaged by kamikaze attacks in the Philippines and USS Knudson on 25 March 1945 off Okinawa.
The WGT or John C. Butler class were far more numerous and mechanically statistics more losses and more decorations:
-USS Shelton was sunk by RO-41 off Morotai, 3 October 1944.
-USS Samuel B. Roberts was sunk by Japanese surface ships off Samar, Philippine Islands, 25 October 1944.
-Eversole was sunk by I-45 east of Leyte, Philippine Islands, 28 October 1944.
-Oberrender was damaged by a suicide plane off Okinawa, 9 May 1945 and not repaired.
John C. Butler, Raymond, Dennis and Samuel B. Roberts received the Presidential Unit Citation due to their brave stand at the Battle of Samar as part of TU 77.4.3 (Taffy 3) on 25 October 1944.
USS Tabberer received a Navy Unit Commendation for rescuing many survivors after the typhoon of 18 December 1944.
USS John C. Butler, in addition to Samar, also received the Navy Unit Commendation for downing many aircraft at Okinawa, 20 May 1945.
USS Johnnie Hutchins received a Navy Unit Commendation for her sinking of Japanese midget submarines on 8 August 1945.
USS Richard W. Suesens received a Navy Unit Commendation for the battle of Leyte and more precisely her action at Lingayen Gulf, Manila Bay-Bicol, but also at Okinawa Gunto.

Appearance

USS Jaccard with an experimental 1944 camouflage and below, USS Rednour (APD-102) as fast assault transport wth a complex island patterns. src Squadron Signal Publications
US Destroyer Escorts in Action

In terms of camouflage, measures consisted in the following:
Order CF-160: MS 32/3D external for the class and under order CF-161, measure 31/1D for the details and decks (vertical surfaces)
Order CF-4 from May 1944 precise 32/9D for the horizontal surfaces and CF-5 (MS 32/21D) was applied from December 1943.
Order CF-6 was applied from January 1944 for measure 31/3D and CF-88 for MS.33a/35D from March 1945.
Order CF-184 for MS 3-/22D was applied from December 1943. Order CF-185 for MS.32/6D was applied in 1944.

MS 21:

Navy Blue 5-N for all Vertical surfaces without exception. Horizontal Surfaces Deck Blue, 20-B. Wood decks be darkened to the colour Deck Blue. Deck Blue paint shall be used in lieu of stain.

MS 31/3D:

Paint all exposed vertical surfaces a pattern of Haze Gray 5-H, Ocean Gray 5-O, Black. Horizontal Surfaces, all decks and horizontal surfaces with Deck Blue, 20-B and Ocean Gray 5-O.
Canvas covers visible from the outside vessel dyed to Deck Blue.

Crosley class High Speed Transports:

USS Crosley (APD-87), anchored off Philadelphia Naval Shipyard on 30 October 1944.

Like the Buckley class, most Rudderow (TEV) were converted as fast landing transports for service on the Pacific, 51 total, versus just 22 regular destroyer escort. They received expanded structures to their to sides, and all anti-submarine armament except the two racks part were removed as well as their artillery and torpedoes, whereas they saw the installation of two gantries in either side to carry a LCVP. Each could carry and accommodate up to 162 rangers, even field artillery or jeeps or even a Dodge WC-51 if needed. Each of the LCVP indeed could carry up to 40 men with their equipments for a one-launch, single-wave simultaneous assault.
The ships converted as such on slip when it was decided were the following:
USS Crosley, Cread, Ruchamkin, Kirwin, Kinzer, Register, Brock, John Q. Roberts, William M. Hobby, Ray K. Edwards, Arthur L. Bristol, Truxtun, Upham, Ringness, Knudson, Rednour, Tollberg, William J. Pattison, Myers, Walter B. Cobb, Earle B. Hall, Harry L. Corl, Belet, Julius A. Raven, Walsh, Hunter Marshall, Earheart, Walter S. Gorka, Rogers Blood, Francovich, Joseph M. Auman, Kline, Raymon W. Herndon, Scribner, Alex Diachenko (Diachenko), Horace A. Bass, Wantuck, Bray, Gosselin, Begor, Cavallaro, Donald W. Wolf, Cook, Walter X. Young (DE-715), Balduck, Burdo, Kleinsmith, Weiss, Carpellotti, Don O. Woods, Beverly W. Reid.
USS Bray DE-709 was renamed in July 1945 APD-139. She was built at Defoe, Bay City (laid down Jan 1944, launched 15 April 1944). Commissioned in September 1944 but turned into fast transport in July 1945 and took part in the Korean War, stricken in June 1960.

The case of USS Crosley, the lead ship

Laid up with sisters are Green Cove Springs Florida july 1946
She was laid down as a regular Rudderow-class destroyer escort as Crosley (DE-226) on 16 October 1943 at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, launched on 12 February 1944 but by that time it was decided to convert her to a Crosley-class high speed transport before completion, and she was commissioned on 22 October 1944, many months after her planned date if completed as a regular destroyer escort. During World War II, she was assigned to the Pacific Theatre and took part in the operations, landings, and Battle of Okinawa. She departed from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 21 December 1944 for Pearl Harbour and started training there from 16 January 1945, with Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) for a month before sailing to San Pedro Bay in the Philippines, on 14 February, and arriving on 4 March for rehearsals planned for the initial phase of the invasion of Okinawa. A week before the invasion, she became the mother ship for Underwater Demolition Team 17. On 1 April, she was tasked with patrolling the coastline and helped victims of kamikaze attacks, evacuating men from USS Dickerson (APD-21) on 2 April, and USS Whitehurst (DE-634) on 12 April. From 20 April to 7 June, she escorted convoys between Okinawa and Ulithi, and Okinawa and Leyte.

By 15 August 1945 she was carrying part of the 40th Infantry Division from Leyte to Jinsen on 28 August 1945, for the occupation of South Korea. She became the harbor pilot ship for Jinsen and carried Army soldiers to the port city of Busan. On 3 October, while patrolling off the coast of Busan, she investigated Anto Maru, a Japanese junk sinking, rescuing 45 soldiers attempting to avoid internment in Korea. She continued carrying troops in the area until 29 March 1946, and departed Shanghai after a short refit for home, and the U.S. West Coast.
After overhaul at Philadelphia she was placed in reserve at Green Cove Springs in Florida, decommissioned on 15 November 1946 and kept there until stricken in 1960, transferred to Ecuador as a power hulk. She won a battle star for her service at Okinawa.

DER conversions:

A DER Conversion of an Edsall (FMR) class in the cold war. Reproduced from Peter Elliot’s American Destroyer Escorts of WWII via lastzombieisland. Note the transformation unto an austere ASW escort and radar picket with a new tripod, new sensor, new light guns and better placed hedgehog.
Atop the bridge was a height-finding radar antenna AN/SPS-8. Three fourths the way up the foremast was located an air search radar antenna AN/SPS-6B. Atop the foremast was located the surface search radar antenna AN/SPS-4. On the after mast was the AN/SPS-6 air search antenna. The smaller antenna atop the aft mast used higher frequency, likely surface search. During the 1950s, some 36 DEs underwent conversion to radar pickets (DER) as part of the USN Cold War’s DEW (Distant Early Warning) Line intended to guard the US from a surprise nuclear attack. Unlike fixed radar stations, they had to deal with rough weather, especially in winter.
In the whole TEV/WGT series, the DE539 Wagner and DE540 Vandivier saw their construction suspended in 1946 but renewed only in 1954 and completed as radar-pickets.

DER-317 USS Joyce in July 1953.

TEV class

Rudderow was laid down at Philadelphia Navy Yard laid down on 15 Jul 1943, launched 14 Oct 1943 and completed on 14 May 1944. After shakedown trials off Bermuda and into the summer of 1944 she was in a hunter-killer group or convoy escort along the East Coast. From Staten Island on 14 October 1944 she joined CortDiv 74 in the Pacific via Panama on 23 October and joined the 7th Fleet at Humboldt Bay in New Guinea on 21 November. In January 1945 she escorted convoys to Luzon and from 21 January conveyed landing craft to Lingayen Gulf. Until 7 February she was in the ASW screen before the landing at Subic Bay and covered retiring LSTs and others from Lingayen Gulf and a fleet oiler to Leyte. Next in she Mindanao Sea she assisted the torpedoed destroyer Renshaw (DD-499) to San Pedro Bay.
On 24 February 1945, she took part in Operation Victor IV, the invasion of Zamboanga, and on 8 March, was on the landing area then covered echelon V-4-E on 10 March. She patrolled the Tictauran and Great Santa Cruz Island and joined a convoy from Leyte on 16 March. 25-28 March saw her with a convoy from Puerto Princesa at Palawan to Zamboanga, and Mangarin Bay in Mindoro from 30 March.
In mid-April 1945, she returned to Leyte and operated later in the Sulu Sea. On 5 May she left Tawi Tawi, sailed southwest with a PT boat drydock and gasoline barge towed by an ATR-4 to Tarakan in Borneo. On 8-11 May she escorted resupply convoys from Morotai to Borneo, on 12-13 May, towed a damaged PBM 261 miles to Tawi Tawi and back to Halmaheras, then Leyte for a refit on 19 May and back in service by June 1945, escorting landing craft to Panay, resupply convoys to Morotai. On 18 June she wa spart of the Philippine Sea Frontier with inter-island escorts (notably Hollandia and Ulithi). Until 1 August she escorted reinforcements to Okinawa, and remained in the Philippines until the end of the war and December 1945.
On 3 January 1946, she headed for home, San Diego and by March placed in reserve, decommissioned on 15 January 1947. In May 1957 she was in the San Francisco Group, Pacific Reserve Fleet until struck on 1 November 1969, sold for scrap.

USS Day DE-225 was laid down at Philadelphia NyD on 15 July 1943, launched on 14 October 1943 and commpleted on 10 June 1944. Decommissioned on 16 May 1946. Struck 30 June 1968 and sunk as target, 1 March 1969. More to come in the future.

She was laid down on 14 Februrary 1944, launched on 15 Jun 1944, and completed on 16 Sep 1945. She was decommissioned on 24 Nov 1969. Struck on 31 Oct 1977 and resold to Colombia as Córdoba, museum ship 1980. More to come in the future.

USS Chaffee was laid down at Charleston Navy Yard on 26 Aug 1943, launched on 27 Nov 1943 and commissioned on 9 May 1944. Decommissioned on 15 Apr 1946. Struck on 17 Aug 1946; sold for scrap, 1948
More to come in the future.

Hodges was laid down on 9 Sep 1943, launched on 9 Dec 1943 and commissioned on 27 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 22 Jun 1946. Struck 1 Dec 1972; sold for scrap, 12 Sep 1973.
More to come in the future.

Riley was laid down on Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard, laid down on 20 Oct 1943, launched on 29 Dec 1943, commissioned on 13 Mar 1944. She was decommissioned on 15 Jan 1947, Struck 25 Jan 1974; Taiwanese Tai Yuan, 1968; scrapped 1992.
More to come in the future.

Leslie L.B. Knox was laid down on 7 Nov 1943, launched on 8 Jan 1944, commissioned on 22 Mar 1944. She was decommissioned on 15 Jun 1946. Struck 15 Jan 1972; sold for scrap, 13 Jun 1973
More to come in the future.

McNulty was laid down on 17 Nov 1943, launched on 8 Jan 1944, commissioned on 31 Mar 1944. She was decommissioned on 2 Jul 1946. Struck 1 Mar 1972; sunk as target, 16 Nov 1972
More to come in the future.

Metivier was laid down on 24 Nov 1943, launched on 12 Jan 1944, commissioned on 7 Apr 1944. She was decommissioned on 1 Jun 1946. Struck 30 Jun 1968; Sold for scrap, Jun 1969
More to come in the future.

George A. Johnson was laid down on 24 Nov 1943, launched on 12 Jan 1944, commissioned on 15 Apr 1944. She was decommissioned on Sep 1957. Struck 1 Nov 1965; sold for scrap, 19 Sep 1966
More to come in the future.

Charles J. Kimmel was laid down on 1 Dec 1943, launched on 15 Jan 1944, commissioned on 20 Apr 1944. She was decommissioned on 15 Jan 1947. Struck 30 Jun 1968; sunk as target, 1 Nov 1969
More to come in the future.

Daniel A. Joy was laid down on 1 Dec 1943, launched on 15 Jan 1944, commissioned on 28 Apr 1944. She was decommissioned on 1 May 1965. Struck 1 May 1965; sold for scrap, 1 Mar 1966
More to come in the future.

Lough was laid down on 8 Dec 1943, launched on 22 Jan 1944, commissioned on 2 May 1944 24 Jun 1946. She was decommissioned on Struck 1 Nov 1969; sold for scrap, Oct 1970
More to come in the future.

Thomas F. Nickel was laid down on 15 Dec 1943, launched on 22 Jan 1944, commissioned on 9 Jun 1944. She was decommissioned on 26 Feb 1958. Struck 1 Dec 1972; sold for scrap, 9 Jun 1973
More to come in the future.

Peiffer was laid down on 21 Dec 1943, launched on 26 Jan 1944, commissioned on 15 Jun 1944. She was decommissioned on 1 Jun 1946. Struck 1 Dec 1966; sunk as target, 16 May 1967
More to come in the future.

Tinsman was laid down on 21 Dec 1943, launched on 26 Jan 1944, commissioned on 26 Jun 1944. She was decommissioned on 11 May 1946. Struck 1 Nov 1969; sold for scrap, 14 Sep 1973
More to come in the future.

DeLong was laid down on Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Fore River Shipyard on 19 Oct 1943, launched on 23 Nov 1943 commissioned on 31 Dec 1943.. She was decommissioned on 8 Aug 1969. Struck 8 Aug 1969; sunk as target, 19 Feb 1970.
More to come in the future.

Coates was laid down on 8 Nov 1943, launched on 9 Dec 1943, commissioned on 24 Jan 1944. She was decommissioned on 30 Jan 1970. Struck 30 Jan 1970; sunk as target, 19 Sep 1971.
More to come in the future.

Eugene E. Elmore was laid down on 27 Nov 1943, launched on 23 Dec 1943, commissioned on 4 Feb 1944. She was decommissioned on 31 May 1946. Struck 30 Jun 1968, sold for scrap Jun 1969
More to come in the future.

Holt was laid down on Defoe Shipbuilding Company, Bay City, Michigan on 28 Nov 1943, launched on 15 Feb 1944, commissioned on 9 Jun 1944. She was decommissioned on 2 Jul 1946. Struck 15 Nov 1974; Korean Chung Nam, Jun 1963; scrapped 1984
More to come in the future.

Jobb was laid down on 20 Dec 1943, launched on 4 Mar 1944, commissioned on 4 Jul 1944. She was decommissioned on 13 May 1946. Struck 1 Nov 1969, sold for scrap Oct 1970
More to come in the future.

Parle was laid down on 8 Jan 1944, launched on 25 Mar 1944, commissioned on 29 Jul 1944. She was decommissioned on 1 Jul 1970. Struck 1 Jul 1970; sunk as target of Florida, 27 Oct 1970
More to come in the future.

Bray DE-709 became APD-139 later. She was laid down on January 1944, launched on 15 April 1944 and commissioned on 4 Sep 1944, reclassified APD-139 and converted, 16 July 1945, decommissioned on 10 May 1946.
More to come in the future.

WGT class

John C. Butler was laid down on Consolidated Steel Corporation, Orange, Texas on 5 October 1943, launched on 12 November 1943, commissioned on 31 March 1944. She was decommissioned on 18 December 1957. Struck 1 June 1970, sunk as target 1971
More to come in the future.

O’Flaherty was laid down on 4 October 1943, launched on 14 December 1943, commissioned on 8 April 1944. She was decommissioned on January 1947. Struck 1 December 1972, sold for scrap 27 November 1973.
More to come in the future.

Raymond was laid down on 3 November 1943, launched on 8 January 1944, commissioned on 15 April 1944. She was decommissioned on 22 September 1958. Struck 1 July 1972, sunk as target off Florida on 22 January 1974
More to come in the future.

Richard W. Suesens was laid down on 1 November 1943, launched on 11 January 1944, commissioned on 26 April 1944. She was decommissioned on 15 January 1947. Struck 15 March 1972, sold for scrap 13 June 1973
More to come in the future.

Abercrombie was laid down on 8 November 1943, launched on 14 January 1944, commissioned on 1 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 15 June 1946. Struck 1 May 1967, sunk as target 7 January 1968
More to come in the future.

Oberrender was laid down on 8 November 1943, launched on 18 January 1944, commissioned on 11 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 11 July 1945. Struck 25 July 1945, sunk as a target 6 November 1945.
More to come in the future.

USS Robert Brazier was laid down on 16 November 1943, launched on 22 January 1944, commissioned on 18 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 16 September 1946. Struck 1 January 1968, sunk as target off California 9 January 1969
More to come in the future.

USS Edwin A. Howard was laid down on 15 November 1943, launched on 25 January 1944, commissioned on 25 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 25 September 1946. Struck 1 December 1972, sold for scrap 12 September 1973
More to come in the future.

USS Jesse Rutherford was laid down on 22 November 1943, launched on 29 January 1944, commissioned on 31 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 21 June 1946. Struck 1 January 1968, sunk as target off California 8 December 1968
More to come in the future.

Key was laid down on 14 December 1943, launched on 12 February 1944, commissioned on 5 June 1944. She was decommissioned on 9 July 1946. Struck 1 March 1972, sold for scrap 19 December 1972
More to come in the future.

Gentry was laid down on 13 December 1943, launched on 15 February 1944, commissioned on 14 June 1944. She was decommissioned on 2 July 1946. Struck 15 January 1972, sold for scrap 15 January 1973
More to come in the future.

Traw was laid down on 19 December 1943, launched on 12 February 1944, commissioned on 20 June 1944. She was decommissioned on 7 June 1946. Struck 1 August 1967, sunk as target off California 17 August 1968.
More to come in the future.

USS Maurice J. Manuel was laid down on 22 December 1943, launched on 19 February 1944, commissioned on 30 June 1944. She was decommissioned on 30 October 1957. Struck 1 May 1966, sunk as target August 1966
More to come in the future.

USS Naifeh was laid down on 29 December 1943, launched on 29 February 1944, commissioned on 4 July 1944. She was decommissioned on 17 June 1960. Struck 1 January 1966, sunk as a target 11 July 1966
More to come in the future.

USS Doyle C. Barnes was laid down on 11 January 1944, launched on 4 March 1944, commissioned on 13 July 1944. She was decommissioned on 15 January 1947. Struck 1 December 1972, sold for scrap 12 September 1973
More to come in the future.

USS Kenneth M. Willett was laid down on 10 January 1944, launched on 7 March 1944, commissioned on 19 July 1944. She was decommissioned on 26 February 1959. Struck 1 July 1972, sunk as target off Puerto Rico 6 March 1974
More to come in the future.

USS Jaccard was laid down on 25 January 1944, launched on 18 March 1944, commissioned on 26 July 1944. She was decommissioned on 30 September 1946. Struck 1 November 1967, sunk as target 4 October 1968
More to come in the future.

USS Lloyd E. Acree was laid down on 24 January 1944, launched on 21 March 1944, commissioned on 1 August 1944. She was decommissioned on 10 October 1946. Struck 15 January 1972, sold for scrap 13 June 1973
More to come in the future.

USS George E. Davis was laid down on 15 February 1944, launched on 8 April 1944, commissioned on 11 August 1944. She was decommissioned on 11 November 1954. Struck 1 December 1972, sold for scrap 2 January 1974
More to come in the future.

Mack was laid down on 14 February 1944, launched on 11 April 1944, commissioned on 16 August 1944. She was decommissioned on 11 December 1946. Struck 15 March 1972, sold for scrap 13 June 1973
More to come in the future.

Woodson was laid down on 7 March 1944, launched on 29 April 1944, commissioned on 24 August 1944. She was decommissioned on 11 August 1962. Struck 1 July 1965, sold for scrap 16 August 1966
More to come in the future.

Johnnie Hutchins was laid down on 6 March 1944, launched on 2 May 1944, commissioned on 28 August 1944. She was decommissioned on 25 February 1958. Struck 1 July 1972, sold for scrap 5 February 1974
More to come in the future.

Walton was laid down on 21 March 1944, launched on 20 May 1944, commissioned on 4 September 1944. She was decommissioned on 20 September 1968. Struck 23 September 1968, sunk as target 7 August 1969
More to come in the future.

Rolf was laid down on 20 March 1944, launched on 23 May 1944, commissioned on 7 September 1944. She was decommissioned on 3 June 1946. Struck 1 December 1972, sold for scrap 11 September 1973
More to come in the future.

Pratt was laid down on 11 April 1944, launched on 1 June 1944, commissioned on 18 September 1944. She was decommissioned on 14 May 1946. Struck 15 March 1972, sold for scrap 15 January 1973
More to come in the future.

Rombach was laid down on 10 April 1944, launched on 6 June 1944, commissioned on 20 September 1944. She was decommissioned on 9 January 1958. Struck 1 March 1972, sold for scrap 19 December 1972
More to come in the future.

McGinty was laid down on 3 May 1944, launched on 5 August 1944, commissioned on 25 September 1944. She was decommissioned on 23 September 1968. Struck 23 September 1968, sold for scrap 27 October 1969
More to come in the future.

Alvin C. Cockrell was laid down on 1 May 1944, launched on 8 August 1944, commissioned on 7 October 1944. She was decommissioned on 17 January 1959. Struck 23 September 1968, sunk as target off California 19 September 1969
More to come in the future.

French was laid down on 1 May 1944, launched on 17 June 1944, commissioned on 9 October 1944. She was decommissioned on 29 May 1946. Struck 15 May 1972, sold for scrap 20 September 1973
More to come in the future.

USS Cecil J. Doyle was laid down on 12 May 1944, launched on 1 July 1944, commissioned on 16 October 1944. She was decommissioned on 2 July 1946. Struck 1 July 1967, sunk as target 2 December 1967
More to come in the future.

USS Thaddeus Parker was laid down on 23 May 1944, launched on 26 August 1944, commissioned on 25 October 1944. She was decommissioned on 1 September 1967. Struck 1 September 1967, sold for scrap 9 July 1968
More to come in the future.

John L. Williamson was laid down on 22 May 1944, launched on 29 August 1944, commissioned on 31 October 1944. She was decommissioned on 14 June 1946 . Struck 15 September 1970, sold for scrap 13 June 1973
More to come in the future.

USS Presley was laid down on 6 June 1944, launched on 19 August 1944, commissioned on 7 November 1944. She was decommissioned on 20 June 1946. Struck 30 June 1968, sold for scrap 2 April 1970
More to come in the future.

Williams was laid down on 5 June 1944, launched on 22 August 1944, commissioned on 11 November 1944. She was decommissioned on 4 June 1946. Struck 1 July 1967, sunk as target off California 29 June 1968
More to come in the future.

Richard S. Bull was laid down on Brown Shipbuilding, Houston, Texas on 18 August 1943, launched on 16 November 1943, commissioned on 26 February 1944. She was decommissioned on March 1946. Struck 30 June 1968, sunk as target off California, 24 June 1969
More to come in the future.

Richard M. Rowell was laid down on 18 August 1943, launched on 17 November 1943, commissioned on 9 March 1944. She was decommissioned on 2 July 1946. Struck 30 June 1968, sold for scrap June 1969
More to come in the future.

Eversole was laid down on 15 September 1943, launched on 3 December 1943, commissioned on 21 March 1944. On 20 May 1944 she left for Pearl Harbor, arriving on 19 June and training with submarines until her trip to Eniwetok, then to Manus on escort duty, and back to Eniwetok for ASW patrols until 9 August 1944. She then screened carriers for the raids on Morotai as well as the Leyte Gulf attacks from 20 October. After the Battle of Leyte Gulf she rescued downed pilots and screened two damaged escort carriers from Taffy 3 as well as wounded men off these. In the early morning of 28 October she had a sonar contact but too late, as half a minute later she received a torpedo hit. Then another followed, breaking her keels and flooding her. Her captain ordered to abandon ship. Then I-45 surfaced and opened fire to further cripple the ship and kill more sailors, dived once more and five minutes and underwater explosion killed most of her surviving crew. However with their flashlights they attracted two other escorts, and 139 wounded survivors were picked up, other ships leading attacks that will sank I-45.

Dennis was laid down on 15 September 1943, launched on 4 December 1943, commissioned on 20 March 1944. She was decommissioned on 31 May 1946. Struck 1 December 1972, sold for scrap 12 September 1973.
More to come in the future.

Edmonds was laid down on 1 November 1943, launched on 17 December 1943, commissioned on 3 April 1944. She was decommissioned on April 1965. Struck 15 May 1972, sold for scrap 20 September 1973
More to come in the future.

Shelton was laid down on 1 November 1943, launched on 18 December 1943, commissioned on 4 April 1944. She was prepared after her shakedown for the Pacific in San Diego on 6 July and on the 9th she sailed for Pearl Harbor, departing on 26 July with a convoy to Eniwetok, arriving on 6 August. Shelton was reaassigned to TF 57 (5 carriers) and sent to Seeadler Harbor, Admiralty Island on 13 August. She remained in the area until September, reassigned to the Morotai Attack Force (TF 77) still there on 3 October screening USS Fanshaw Bay and Midway (Later St.Lo CVE), when attacked by RO-41. The first torpedo wake was spotted at 1,500 yd (1,400 m) for Shelton, and she evaded it, only to be hit on the starboard screw by a second one. This destroyed her prop and shaft, flooding the lower hull haft, causingsevere damage. She was assisted by Richard M. Rowell which came alongside and removed the crew and she was taken under tow but capsized en route and sank, struck on 27 November 1944 with 13 men still on board going down. She received a single battle star.

Straus was laid down on 18 November 1943, launched on 30 December 1943, commissioned on 6 April 1944. She was decommissioned on 15 January 1947. Struck 1 May 1966, sunk as target August 1973
More to come in the future.

La Prade was laid down on 18 November 1943, launched on 31 December 1943, commissioned on 20 April 1944. She was decommissioned on 11 May 1946. Struck 15 January 1972, sold for scrap 15 January 1973
More to come in the future.

Jack Miller was laid down on 29 November 1943, launched on 10 January 1944, commissioned on 13 April 1944. She was decommissioned on 1 June 1946. Struck 30 June 1968, sold for scrap July 1969
More to come in the future.

Stafford was laid down on 29 November 1943, launched on 11 January 1944, commissioned on 19 April 1944. She was decommissioned on 16 May 1946. Struck 15 March 1972, sold for scrap 13 June 1973
More to come in the future.

Walter C. Wann was laid down on 6 December 1943, launched on 19 January 1944, commissioned on 2 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 31 May 1946. Struck 30 June 1968, sold for scrap June 1969
More to come in the future.

Samuel B. Roberts was laid down on 6 December 1943, launched on 20 January 1944, commissioned on 28 April 1944, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Copeland, USNR.
After a shakedown cruise off Bermuda (21 May to 19 June 1944) she was prepared at the Boston Navy Yard and headed for Norfolk on 7 July. She presumably struck a whale, bending her starboard propeller and was repaired until 11 July. She left Norfolk on 22 July for the Panama Canal and headed for the Pacific Fleet, arrived at Pearl Harbor on 10 August, to which followed training exercises. On 21 August 1944 she departed with a convoy for Eniwetok and on 2 September returned to Pearl Harbor with an empty convoy, arriving on 10 September. After more training, she was back in convoy on 21 September to Eniwetok, arrived on the 30th, then Manus Island (Admiralty) to join Task Unit 77.4.3, the later famous “Taffy 3”. She followed it to Leyte Gulf and started operations with the Northern Air Support Group off Samar.
On 25 October after dawn she was close to the escort carriers ready to launch a series of raids to support the Army assault. They were off the eastern coast of Samar when the Japanese Center Force (23-ship task force) under Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita appeared on the horizon and started firing. The nightmare started.

Destroyer escorts were hardly fit to face these cruisers led y the super-battleship Yamato, but the captains decided that since they had at least a bank of torpedoes and 5-inch (127 mm) guns, with the destroyuers, they will make a stand and delay tne inevtitable. Meanwhile all aircraft aloft were recalled on the carriers. USS Samuel B. Roberts was made immortal as the “destroyer escort that fought like a battleship”. She rushed forward, billowing smoke, and engaged the Japanese heavy cruisers immune to her 5-inch gunfire and at 07:40, Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Copeland maneuvered evaded the charging Heermann and realiozed he was in a perfect spot to launch torpedoes, targeting an heavy cruiser. Through the 1MC public-address circuit, he adresses the crew as:

“This will be a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival cannot be expected. We will do what damage we can.”

He set course at full speed in the wake of Heermann and under a smokescreen she escaped detection and ordered not to fire to the last moment to launch torpedoes at 2.5 nmi (2.8 mi; 4.6 km) to be sure to hit. This was extremely daring to sa the least. However she received a stray shell which hit her mainmast falling and jamming… her torpedo mount at 08:00. The crew rushed to entangle it and at 2.0 nmi (2.3 mi; 3.7 km), she launched her torpedoes at Chōkai, reversing course and disappeared into the smoke with near-misses. A lookout reported a torpedo hit, but she missed Chōkai. However this was enough to force her evading manoeuvers, disrupting the line.
By 08:10, Roberts was back to the carrier formation, and soon through the smoke and rain, Chikuma appeared and opened up at the carriers. Copeland changed course and opened fire, trading broadsides with the cruise. Chikuma divided her fire between the carriers and Roberts but she was hampered by the closing range and slow rate of fire. Meanwhile in the machinery, chief engineer Lt. “Lucky” Trowbridge bypassed all safety mechanisms, to pushe her to 28 knots (32 mph; 52 km/h) and helped her fatal corrida. Roberts pumelled Chikuma for 35 minutes, coming as close as 2.6 nmi (3.0 mi; 4.8 km) until he almost ran out of ammunition after sending 600 rounds. Heermann meanwhile also targeted the cruiser, but other IJN cruisers appeared and entered the show. Roberts was soon cornered by Yamato, Nagato, and Haruna, and at some point ordered a full back to dodge a deadl salvo. But luck ran out and at 08:51, cruiser shells blasted one of her boilers. Down to 17 knots (20 mph; 31 km/h) she started to take more hits, but Kongō dealt her a decisive blow at 09:00, making her dead in the water and sinking. She later received a the Presidential Unit Citation given TU 77.4.3 “for extraordinary heroism in action” and a battle star for her service. Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Paul H. Carr in charge of Gun Mount 52 fired nearly all of its 325 stored rounds in 35 minutes before obe exploded in the gun’s breech, killing him. Her was posthumously awarded a Silver Star and later a guided-missile frigate, FFG-52 bore his name. USS Copeland (FFG-25) also honor the captain of Samuel B. Roberts.

LeRay Wilson was laid down on 20 December 1943, launched on 28 January 1944, commissioned on 10 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 30 January 1959. Struck 15 May 1972, sold for scrap 14 September 1973
More to come in the future.

Lawrence C. Taylor was laid down on 20 December 1943, launched on 29 January 1944, commissioned on 13 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 23 April 1946. Struck 1 December 1972, sold for scrap 12 September 1973
More to come in the future.

Melvin R. Nawman was laid down on 3 January 1944, launched on 7 February 1944, commissioned on 16 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 30 August 1960. Struck 1 July 1972, sold for scrap 3 October 1973
More to come in the future.

Oliver Mitchell was laid down on 3 January 1944, launched on 8 February 1944, commissioned on 14 June 1944. She was decommissioned on 24 April 1946. Struck 15 March 1972, sold for scrap 15 January 1973
More to come in the future.

Tabberer was laid down on 12 January 1944, launched on 18 February 1944, commissioned on 23 May 1944. She was decommissioned on May 1960. Struck 1 July 1972, sold for scrap 3 October 1973
More to come in the future.

Robert F. Keller was laid down on 12 January 1944, launched on 19 February 1944, commissioned on 17 June 1944. She was decommissioned on January 1965. Struck 1 July 1972, sold for scrap 5 February 1974
More to come in the future.

Leland E. Thomas was laid down on 21 January 1944, launched on 28 February 1944, commissioned on 19 June 1944. She was decommissioned on 3 May 1946. Struck 1 December 1972, sold for scrap 11 September 1973
More to come in the future.

Chester T. O’Brien was laid down on 21 January 1944, launched on 29 February 1944, commissioned on 3 July 1944. She was decommissioned on 25 May 1960. Struck 1 July 1972, sold for scrap 4 April 1974
More to come in the future.

Douglas A. Munro was laid down on 31 January 1944, launched on 8 March 1944, commissioned on 11 July 1944. She was decommissioned on 24 June 1960. Struck 1 December 1965, sunk as target January 1966
More to come in the future.

Dufilho was laid down on 31 January 1944, launched on 9 March 1944, commissioned on 21 July 1944. She was decommissioned on 14 May 1946. Struck 1 December 1972, Sold for scrap 12 September 1973
More to come in the future.

Haas was laid down on 23 February 1944, launched on 20 March 1944, commissioned on 2 August 1944. She was decommissioned on 24 January 1958. Struck 1 July 1966, sold for scrap 6 September 1967
More to come in the future.

Corbesier was laid down on Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Newark, New Jersey on 4 November 1943, launched on 13 February 1944, commissioned on 31 March 1944. She was decommissioned on 2 July 1946. Struck 1 December 1972, sold for scrap 3 December 1973
More to come in the future.

Conklin was laid down on 4 November 1943, launched on 13 February 1944, commissioned on 21 April 1944. She was decommissioned on 17 January 1946. Struck 1 October 1970, sold for scrap 12 May 1972.
More to come in the future.

McCoy Reynolds was laid down on 18 November 1943, launched on 22 February 1944, commissioned on 2 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 7 February 1957. Struck 1 November 1968, sold to Portugal December 1968, scrapped 1970
More to come in the future.

William Seiverling wasl laid down on 2 December 1943, laid down 7 March 1944, commissioned on 1 June 1944. She was decommissioned on 27 September 1957. Struck 1 December 1972, sold for scrap 20 September 1973
More to come in the future.

Ulvert M. Moore was laid down on 2 December 1943, launched on 7 March 1944n commissioned on 18 July 1944. She was decommissioned on 10 October 1958. Struck 1 December 1965, sunk as target off San Nicholas Isle, California on 13 July 1966
More to come in the future.

Kendall C. Campbell was laid down on 16 December 1943, launched on 19 March 1944, commissioned on 31 July 1944. She was decommissioned on 31 May 1946. Struck 15 January 1972, sold for scrap 15 January 1973
More to come in the future.

Goss was laid down on 16 December 1943, launched on 19 March 1944, commissioned on 26 August 1944. She was decommissioned on 10 October 1958. Struck 1 March 1972, sold for scrap 20 November 1972
More to come in the future.

Grady was laid down on 3 January 1944, launched on 2 April 1944, commissioned on 11 September 1944. She was decommissioned on 18 December 1957. Struck 30 June 1968, sold for scrap June 1969
More to come in the future.

Charles E. Brannon was laid down on 13 January 1944, launched on 23 April 1944, commissioned on 1 November 1944. She was decommissioned on 23 September 1968. Struck 23 September 1968, sold for scrap 27 October 1969
More to come in the future.

Albert T. Harris was laid down on 13 January 1944, launched on 16 April 1944, commissioned on 29 November 1944. She was decommissioned on 21 September 1968. Struck 23 September 1968, sunk as target off the Virginia Capes, 9 April 1969
More to come in the future.

Cross DE-448 was laid down, launched on 4 July 1944, commissioned on 8 January 1945. She was decommissioned on 2 January 1958. Struck 1 July 1966, sold for scrap 5 March 1968
More to come in the future.

Hanna DE-449 was launched on 4 July 1944, commissioned on 27 January 1945. She was decommissioned on 11 December 1959. Struck 1 December 1972, sold for scrap 3 December 1973
More to come in the future.

Joseph E. Connolly was laid down on 6 April 1944, launched on 6 August 1944, commissioned on 28 February 1945. She was decommissioned on 20 June 1946. Struck 1 June 1970, sunk as target on 24 February 1972
More to come in the future.

Gilligan was laid down on 18 November 1943, launched on 22 February 1944, commissioned on 12 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 31 March 1959. Struck 1 March 1972, sold for scrap 20 November 1973
More to come in the future.

Formoe was laid down on 3 January 1944, launched on 2 April 1944, commissioned on 5 October 1944. She was decommissioned on 7 February 1957. Loaned to Portugal 7 February 1957, struck 1 October 1968, scrapped 1970
More to come in the future.

Heyliger was laid down on 27 April 1944, launched on 6 August 1944, commissioned on 24 March 1945. She was decommissioned on 2 January 1958. Struck 1 May 1966, sunk as target in 1969
More to come in the future.

Edward H. Allen was laid down on Boston Naval Shipyard on 31 August 1943, launched on 7 October 1943, commissioned on 16 December 1943. She was decommissioned on 9 January 1958. Struck 1 July 1972, sold for scrap 5 February 1974
More to come in the future.

Tweedy was laid down on 31 August 1943, launched on 7 October 1943, commissioned on 12 February 1944. She was decommissioned on 30 June 1969. Struck 30 June 1969, sunk as target off Florida May 1970
More to come in the future.

Howard F. Clark was laid down on 8 October 1943, launched on 8 November 1943, commissioned on 25 May 1944. She was decommissioned on 5 July 1946. Struck 15 May 1972, sold for scrap 6 September 1973
More to come in the future.

Silverstein was laid down on 8 October 1943, launched on 8 November 1943, commissioned on 14 July 1944. She was decommissioned on 30 January 1959. Struck 1 December 1972, sold for scrap 3 December 1973
More to come in the future.

Lewis was laid down on 3 November 1943, launched on 7 December 1943, commissioned on 5 September 1944. She was decommissioned on 27 May 1960. Struck 1 January 1966, sunk as target in 1966
More to come in the future.

Bivin was laid down on 3 November 1943, launched on 7 December 1943, commissioned on 31 October 1944. She was decommissioned on 15 January 1947. Struck 30 June 1968, sunk as target off California on 17 July 1969
More to come in the future.

Rizzi was laid down on 3 November 1943, launched on 7 December 1943, commissioned on 26 June 1945. She was decommissioned on 28 February 1958. Struck 1 August 1972, sold for scrap 5 February 1974
More to come in the future.

Osberg was laid down on 3 November 1943, launched on 7 December 1943, commissioned on 10 December 1945. She was decommissioned on 25 February 1958. Struck 1 August 1972, sold for scrap 5 February 1974
More to come in the future.

Wagner was laid down on 8 November 1943, launched on 27 December 1943, commissioned after conversion as DER on 22 November 1955. She was decommissioned on June 1960. Struck 1 November 1974, sunk as target.
More to come in the future.

Vandivier was laid down on 8 November 1943, launched on 27 December 1943, commissioned on 11 October 1955 after conversion. She was decommissioned on 30 June 1960. Struck 1 November 1974, sunk as target off Florida 7 February 1975
More to come in the future.

Read More/Src

Books

Friedman, Norman, U.S. Destroyers: An Illustrated Design History
Conway’s all the world’s fighting ships 1921-47 p.135
Destroyer Escort Sailors. By Destroyer Escort Sailors Assn. 1997, Turner Pub Co.
Destroyer Escorts in Action By Adcock, Al 1997, Squadron/Signal Publications.
Destroyer Escorts of World War Two By Walkowiak, Thomas F. 1996, DE Sailors Assoc. Orlando. Pictorial Histories Pub. Co., Missoula

Links

destroyerhistory.org rudderowclass/
destroyerhistory.org johncbutlerclass/
web.archive.org hazegray.org/
web.archive.org navypedia.org/ us_de_tev.htm
web.archive.org navypedia.org/ de_tev_wgt.htm
web.archive.org plateau.net/ escorts.html
uboat.net allies warships Destroyer+Escort
web.archive.org hazegray.org escorts/
web.archive.org nvr.navy.mil
navsource.net
web.archive.org destroyerescort.com/
web.archive.org bosamar.com/
web.archive.org navsource.org/
web.archive.org hnsa-guide.htm
web.archive.org history.navy.mil
web.archive.org floatingdrydock.com camo.htm
web.archive.org desausa.org links.htm
web.archive.org/ desausa.org delinks.htm
web.archive.org plateau.net classevar
en.wikipedia.org Cleveland Diesel Engine Division
shipcamouflage.com buckley_class.htm
en.wikipedia.org/ Ruderrow-class_destroyer_escort
commons.wikimedia.org Category:Buckley class
web.archive.org hazegray.org escorts/
commons.wikimedia.org Rudderow_class
jproc.ca/
ussslater.org/
ussholt.com/

Videos

Model Kits

scalemates.com/ rudderow class
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