(DE‑1058: dp. 4,100; l. 438'; b. 47'; dr. 25'; cpl. 245; s. 27 k.; a. 1 5", 1 ASROC; cl. Knox)
Lt. Harold Dale Meyerkord, born 9 October 1937 at St. Louis, Mo., graduated from Navy Officer Candidate School, Newport, R.I. 14 June 1960 and was assigned to heavy cruiser 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.
DF‑1058 is under construction at Todd Shipyard Corp., San Pedro, Calif. 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. She will be completed 26 September 1969 and commissioned late in 1969.
