USS Craven (DD-382)

The third USS "Craven" (DD-382) was a ,Cressman, [http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/USN-Chron/USN-Chron-1943.html Chapter V: 1943] ] and damaged a cruiser.

"Craven" departed Efate 23 September 1943 for San Francisco, California and overhaul. Returning to Pearl Harbor, she sortied 19 January 1944 to screen the carriers of TF 58 during air strikes on Wotje, Taroa, and Eniwetok in February supporting the invasion of the Marshall Islands. From the base at Majuro, "Craven" sailed to screen carriers in heavy strikes on Palau, Yap, Ulithi, Woleai; covered the invasion of Hollandia; and raided Truk, Satawan, and Ponape through April. After a voyage to Pearl Harbor in May, "Craven" rejoined the 5th Fleet for the invasion of the Marianas. She screened the softening up strikes on Guam, Saipan, and Rota, and the supporting raids on the Bonins, as well as guarded the carriers with protective antiaircraft fire during the Battle of the Philippine Sea on 19 and 20 June. "Craven" continued to guard the carriers during the air strikes of July, August and September on the Bonins, Guam, Yap, and the Palaus.

Returning to Pearl Harbor 11 October 1944, "Craven" had overhaul and training, then sailed from Pearl Harbor 2 January 1945. She arrived at New York 26 January for exercises and antisubmarine patrol on the past coast until 2 May when she sailed to Southampton, England, as convoy escort, returning to New York 29 May. She departed Portland, Maine, 22 June to carry the U.S. Minister to Tangier, and continued to Oran.

"Craven" ranged throughout the Mediterranean Sea on escort, training, and transport duties until 14 January 1946 when she cleared for New York, arriving 28 January. She weighed anchor 20 February for San Diego and Pearl Harbor where she arrived 16 March.

Fate

"Craven" was decommissioned there 19 April 1946, and sold 2 October 1947.

Honors

"Craven" received nine battle stars for World War II service.

References

*