USS Meyerkord (FF-1058)

The USS "Meyerkord" (FF-1058) was a Sclass|Knox|frigate of the US Navy. Named for Harold Dale Meyerkord (1937-1965) a Senior Naval Adviser to South Vietnam who was killed in action. "Meyerkord" was constructed by Todd Pacific Shipyards, Los Angeles Division, San Pedro, California. She was laid down 1 September 1966; launched 15 July 1967; sponsored by Mrs. Harold Dale Meyerkord and Mrs. Harold E. Meyerkord, widow and mother of Lieutenant Meyerkord. "Meyerkord" was commissioned November 28, 1969, decommissioned December 14, 1991 and struck January 11, 1995. "Meyerkord" was disposed of by scrapping, dismantling December 15, 2001.

Namesake

Lt. Harold Dale Meyerkord, born 9 October 1937 at St. Louis, Missouri, graduated from Navy Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island. 14 June 1960 and was assigned to heavy cruiser USS|Los Angeles|CA-135. He reported to the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam 13 July 1964.

He was Senior Naval Adviser to the South Vietnamese 23d River Assault Group, responsible for suppressing Vietcong terror in South Vietnam’s “rice bowl”; the group probed the Delta waterways, engaging Vietcong guerrillas in operations in which Lieutenant Meyerkord distinguished himself for coolness, resourcefulness, and concern for his men.

While leading his assault group into Vietcong‑held territory 16 March 1965, Lieutenant Meyerkord’s patrol was ambushed. Though wounded, he steadfastly returned the enemy’s fire until hit again, this time mortally. Lieutenant Meyerkord’s heroism was recognized by posthumous award of the Navy Cross. He was also awarded the Air Medal for completing 20 low-level aerial reconnaissance missions under enemy fire.

References

External links

* [http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/FF1058.htm Naval Vessel Register FF1058]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m10/meyerkord.htm DANFS Meyerkord]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/06/06021058.htm NavSource images]
* [http://www.navysite.de/ff/ff1058.htm Navysite.de]