USS Barton (DD-599)

The first USS "Barton" (DD-599) was a "Benson"-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War II. She was named for John Kennedy Barton.

"Barton" was launched 31 January 1942 by Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Quincy, Massachusetts; sponsored by Miss Barbara Dean Barton, granddaughter of Admiral Barton; and commissioned 29 May 1942, Lieutenant Commander D. H. Fox in command.

"Barton" departed the east coast 23 August 1942 and steamed to the Pacific, arriving at Tongatapu, Tonga Islands, 14 September 1942. During October she participated in the Buin-Faisi-Tonolai raid (5 October) and the Battle of Santa Cruz (26 October) where she claimed shooting down seven Japanese planes. On 29 October she successfully rescued 17 survivors of two downed air transports near Fabre Island.

On 13 November "Barton", in company with Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan's landing support group, took part in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. "Barton" commenced firing on the Japanese ships at approximately 0148. After launching four torpedoes she had to come to an emergency stop to avoid a collision. While she was practically dead in the water, two Long Lance torpedoes from Japanese destroyer Amatsukaze found their mark. The first torpedo struck her forward fireroom and, a few seconds later, a second torpedo struck her forward engine-room. Within seconds, "Barton" broke in two and sank, carrying with her 164 men: 13 officers and 151 of her crew. Forty-two survivors were rescued by "Portland" (CA-33) and twenty-six by Higgins boats from Guadalcanal.

"Barton" received four battle stars for her service during October and November 1942.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/b3/barton-i.htm

External links

* [http://www.destroyerhistory.org/benson-gleavesclass/ussbarton/index.html USS "Barton" website] at [http://www.destroyerhistory.org/index.html Destroyer History Foundation]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/599.htm navsource.org: DD-599 USS "Barton"]
* [http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/destroy/dd599txt.htm hazegray.org: USS "Barton"]