USS Dour (AM-223)

USS "Dour" (AM-223) was an built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. She was built to clear minefields in offshore waters, and served the Navy in the Pacific Ocean. Post-war she returned home proudly with three battle stars to her credit.

She was launched 25 March 1944 by American Shipbuilding Co., Lorain, Ohio; sponsored by Mrs. W. R. Douglas; and commissioned 4 November 1944, Lieutenant W. V. Byrd, USNR, in command.

World War II Pacific Ocean operations

"Dour" arrived at Boston, Massachusetts, 26 November from the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. She served in the Local Defense Force, until 1 February 1945 when she got underway for Norfolk, Virginia.

Dour sailed from Norfolk 9 March 1945 for the Pacific. She called at San Diego, California, Pearl Harbor, and Saipan and arrived at Okinawa 26 May escorting a convoy of landing craft. After patrolling off Okinawa and Ie Shima, on 23 July she joined in minesweeping coordinated with the U.S. 3rd Fleet strikes on Japan.

End-of-War operations

Engaged in postwar sweeping operations "Dour" swept for mines in the Yellow Sea and off Jinsen, Korea. On 9 September she arrived at Sasebo, Japan, and swept Japanese waters until 28 December when she sailed for the west coast, arriving at San Pedro, California, 7 February 1946. On 8 April she got underway for Algiers, Louisiana, where she remained from 26 April to 2 May.

Post-War Decommissioning

She served ships in reserve at Orange, Texas, until placed out of commission in reserve there 15 March 1947. She was reclassified MSF-223 on 7 February 1955. She was struck from the Naval Register 1 May 1962; transferred to Mexico 1 October 1962 as DM-16 (E 6); reclassified ID-16 in 1979; and retired from the Mexican Navy in August 1988. Final fate unknown.

Battle Stars

"Dour" received three battle stars for World War II service.

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