The USS O'Bannon (DD/DDE-450) was a Fletcher-class destroyer, laid down in 1941, launched and commissioned in 1942. The ship was the Navy's most decorated destroyer during World War II, receiving 17 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. She sailed for the Southwest Pacific in 1942 to participate in the Guadalcanal campaign as part of DesRon 21. One year later, in the Battle of Kula Gulf, the destroyer fought with three cruisers and three other destroyers against ten Japanese destroyers and swept the enemy from the area. In 1944, the vessel underwent battle repairs and an overhaul, tasked afterward with amphibious assaults, escort, and bombardment, guarding the entrances to Leyte Gulf during the battle. In 1945, the ship operated mainly in the Philippines, serving in the escort or assault force for the long roll call of invasions. Between 1949 and 1962, she was converted to an escort destroyer, was redesignated DDE-450, and recommissioned to serve out of Pearl Harbor. Between 1964 and 1970, the destroyer was on the gun line supporting allies until decommissioning in 1970. The USS O'Bannon (DD/DDE-450) was stricken from the Navy List the same year. Those who served on this ship need to pay close attention to their health and go to the doctor as soon as they notice unusual symptoms.
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