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USS John D. Edwards (DD-216)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS John D. Edwards (DD-216)

USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) was laid down 21 May 1919 by William Cramp & Sons, Philadelphia, Pa.; launched 18 October 1919; sponsored by Mrs. May Marshall Edwards, widow of Lt. Edwards; and commissioned 6 April 1920, Comdr. Alexander Sharp in command.

After shakedown, USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) departed Philadelphia 14 May 1920 to protect American lives and interests in Turkish waters. With the Near East in turmoil, the destroyer evacuated refugees and furnished communication facilities for that area. She remained in Turkish waters until she sailed 2 May 1921 for duty with the Asiatic Squadron. Upon arrival at Cavite, P.I., 29 June, USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) immediately began patrols to protect American interests in the Far East. She was to remain there for 4 years operating out of the Philippines in the winter and China during the summer. Continuing the Navy's long and distinguished record of missions of mercy, she gave vital aid to victims of the Japanese earthquake in 1923 and carried food and rescue workers to Yokohama.

For the next 3 years she operated out of Norfolk making periodic training cruises along the coast and in the Caribbean. Following a Mediterranean cruise in late 1927, USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) transited the Panama Canal and arrived San Pedro, Calif., for service in the Pacific. She operated along the West Coast until 1 August 1929 when she sailed for the Far East, arriving Yokohama 26 August. Subsequent to 1929, USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) became a permanent and important unit of the Asiatic Fleet. Operating out of the Philippines along the Chinese Coast and off Japan, USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) maintained American strength and prestige in that key area of the world and guarded our interests during the Sino-Japanese War in the late 1930's.

USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) escorted convoys from Pearl Harbor to San Francisco until 15 June 1943 when she arrived at Brooklyn to commence escort duty in the Atlantic. The destroyer cruised along the coast and to North Africa escorting supply ships during the next 9 months. For the duration of the war, USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) escorted convoys in the Atlantic and trained submarines off the Canal Zone. Following the end of the conflict in Europe the destroyer arrived Philadelphia 15 June 1945 and decommissioned there 28 July 1945.

For a complete history of USS John D. Edwards (DD-216) please see its DANFS page.