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USS Cassin (DD-372)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS Cassin (DD-372)

USS Cassin (DD-372) was launched 28 October 1935 by Philadelphia Navy Yard; sponsored by Mrs. H. C. Lombard; and commissioned 21 August 1936, Lieutenant Commander A. G. Noble in command.

USS Cassin (DD-372) underwent alterations until March 1937, then cruised to the Caribbean and Brazil. In April 1938 she joined forces at Pearl Harbor for the annual fleet exercises in the Hawaiian Islands and the Panama Canal Zone. USS Cassin (DD-372) was in drydock with Downes (DD-375) and Pennsylvania (BB-38) at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. In the Japanese attack, an incendiary bomb exploded Dowries' fuel tanks, causing uncontrollable fires on board both USS Downes and USS Cassin (DD-372). USS Cassin (DD-372) was decommissioned as of 7 December 1941. However, superb salvage saved USS Cassin (DD-372) to play an outstanding role in World War II, and she was towed to Mare Island Navy Yard for rebuilding.

Recommisisoned 5 February 1944, USS Cassin (DD-372) reported at Pearl Harbor 22 April, and was assigned escort duty from Majuro until August. Cassin's next assignment was to the preparations for the assault on Iwo Jima. On the night of 11-12 November 1944, and again on 24 January 1945, USS Cassin (DD-372) bombarded the island as part of the preassault softening up, and otherwise engaged in patrol, escort, and radar picket duties around Saipan. She returned to Iwo Jima in mid-March for radar picket and air-sea rescue duty. With periods at Guam and Saipan for replenishment and repairs, she continued on this duty through most of the remainder of the war.

As vivid proof that hazards of war come not only from the enemy, USS Cassin (DD-372) endured the violence of a typhoon on 6 June 1945, losing one of her men overboard, as well as a motor whaleboat. On 20 July, she bombarded Kita, Iwo Jima, and on 7 August, she boarded and searched a Japanese hospital ship to insure compliance with international law. Since there were no violations, she allowed the Japanese ship to proceed on its way. With the war over, USS Cassin (DD-372) continued air-sea rescue off Iwo Jima, guarding the air evacuation of released prisoners of war from Japan. She returned to Norfolk, Va., 1 November 1945, and was decommissioned there 17 December 1945.

For a complete history of USS Cassin (DD-372) please see its DANFS page.