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USS Ellet (DD-398)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS Ellet (DD-398)

USS Ellet (DD-398) was launched 11 June 1938 by Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Kearny, N.J.; sponsored by Miss Elvira Daniel Cabell, granddaughter of Colonel Charles Ellet, Jr.; and commissioned 17 February 1939, Lieutenant Commander F. J. Mee in command.

In September and October 1939 USS Ellet (DD-398) operated off the Grand Banks on Neutrality Patrol, then with Destroyer Division 18 out of Galveston with the West Gulf Patrol. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941, USS Ellet (DD-398) was returning from reinforcing Wake Island in the screen of TF 8 with which she remained throughout December. After a convoy escort voyage to the west coast, she guarded a troop convoy back to Christmas Island in February. USS Ellet (DD-398) arrived off Guadalcanal 7 August 1942 for pre-invasion bombardment, patrolled the transport area, and fought off air attacks.

Out of Espiritu Santo USS Ellet (DD-398) patrolled to the Solomons with TF 16 from November 1942 until May 1943, then returned to Pearl Harbor. Back at Espiritu Santo 1 July, she hurried to Tulagi for the consolidation of the northern Solomons. She sailed for overhaul on the west coast in September 1943. By the end of January 1944, USS Ellet (DD-398) was back in action, screening carriers about to invade the Marshalls.

At October's end, USS Ellet (DD-398) joined the Marianas Patrol and Escort Group. She bombarded Iwo Jima, in December 1944 and the following January. Based on Guam and Saipan, she escorted convoys and patrolled on air-sea rescue station until July 1945. When hostilities ended, USS Ellet (DD-398) was repairing at Mare Island. She was decommissioned there 29 October 1945, and sold 1 August 1947.

For a complete history of USS Ellet (DD-398) please see its DANFS page.