The USS Jesse Rutherford (DE-347) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort laid down on November 22, 1943, and launched on January 29, the following year. It was commissioned on May 31, 1944, under Lt. Cmdr. B. M. Henry’s command as DE-347 and served in the U.S. Navy for 2 years until it was decommissioned on June 21, 1946. During its activities, the ship carried a complement of 215 people on board and had its main missions in Norfolk, Bermuda, New York, Naples, Hollandia, Panama Canal, Morotai, Manila, Leyte, Lingayen Gulf, Okinawa, and Balikpapan. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List on January 1, 1968, and used as a target ship during training exercises the same year. Since many military ships – including those in the U.S. Navy – are built with asbestos products, some of those who served our country may be diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer or other diseases. For many veterans, receiving an asbestos-related diagnosis can be a shocking, disturbing experience. In addition to anxiety caused by the diagnosis, patients have a number of serious decisions to make, including those regarding treatment. Veterans who develop asbestos-related conditions are entitled to substantial compensation from asbestos trust funds and VA claims.
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