USS Gwin DD-433

Type:
Destroyer
Class:
Builder:
Boston Naval Shipyard
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Hull Number:
DD-433
Ordered:
October 1, 1938
Commissioned:
January 15, 1941
Keel Laid:
June 1, 1939
Decommissioned:
N/A
Launched:
May 25, 1940
Stricken:
N/A
   
Fate:
Sunk July 13, 1943 in action with Japanese destroyers Yugure (Cdr. Kiyoshi Kano),
Kiyonami (Cdr. Tokiyoshi Arima), Yukikaze (Cdr. Ryokichi Sugama) and
Hamakaze (Cdr Hiroshi Uwai) at the Battle of Kolombangara.

Hit by 1 torpedo which caused extensive damage. Scuttled by USS Ralph Talbot DD-390 (torpedo).

Location: South Pacific, 25 miles northeast of Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands.
(07.41S-157.27E or 07.43S-157.26E)

61 men lost, survivors removed by USS Ralph Talbot DD-390.
(Roll of Honor)
   
Notes:
Named in honor of Lt. Commander William Gwin, USN (1832-1863).

Commanding Officers
From
To
Name
Notes
Jan. 15, 1941
Oct. 24, 1942
Commander John Martin Higgins, USN
A
Oct. 24, 1942
July 13, 1943
Lt. Commander John Benjamin Fellows, Jr., USN
B
A: Embarked at time of loss as Commander Destroyer Division 23.
Awarded Navy Cross, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit and a
Gold Star in lieu of a second Legion of Merit. Retired as Rear Admiral, died Dec. 7, 1973.
B: Awarded Navy Cross and Silver Star. Retired as Rear Admiral, died Mar. 30, 1974.
 

Awards
Combat Action Ribbon
American Defense Service Medal (Sept. 23, 1941-Dec. 7, 1941)
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (5 Battle Stars)
From
To
Engagement
June 3, 1942
June 6, 1942
Midway
Aug. 7, 1942
Aug. 9, 1942
Guadalcanal-Tulagi landings
Oct. 13, 1942
Capture and defense of Guadalcanal
Nov. 12, 1942
Nov. 15, 1942
Guadalcanal-Third strike
June 30, 1943
New Georgia Group operation: New Georgia-Rendova-Vanguna occupation
World War II Victory Medal


Builder's Data
Page published July 20, 2017