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USS Lamson (DD-367)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS Lamson (DD-367)

USS Lamson (DD-367) was laid down 20 March 1934 by Bath Iron Works Corp., Bath, Maine; launched 17 June 1936; sponsored by Miss Francis W. Andrews; and commissioned 21 October 1936, Comdr. H. E. Paddock in command.

After shakedown in the Atlantic and Caribbean, USS Lamson (DD-367) departed Norfolk 16 June 1937 for the Pacific. Arriving San Diego 1 July, the destroyer performed exercises and tactical training operations until she sailed for Pearl Harbor 5 October 1939. USS Lamson (DD-367) continued training operations from her Hawaiian base for the next 2 years. She was returning to Pearl Harbor from patrol duty during the Japanese attack 7 December 1941. After a search for the enemy task force, the destroyer patrolled Hawaiian waters and steamed to Johnston Island to rescue civilians. Departing Pearl Harbor 6 January 1942, USS Lamson (DD-367) arrived Pago Pago, Samoa, 2 weeks later for ASW patrols.

After 2 months of escort duty, USS Lamson (DD-367) joined three other destroyers 29 November and penetrated 160 miles into enemy territory to bomb Madang, the main Japanese naval base on New Guinea. On 15 December she engaged in preinvasion bombardment of Arawe, New Britain, and, during the landings at Cape Gloucester 11 days later, splashed two "Vals." Continuing the New Guinea operation, the destroyer bombarded Saidor 2 January 1944.

USS Lamson (DD-367) arrived Puget Sound Navy Yard 16 January 1945 for extensive repairs. Returning Eniwetok 10 May, USS Lamson (DD-367) operated for the rest of the war on patrol and air-sea rescue work off Iwo Jima. A fitting climax to USS Lamson (DD-367)'s fine war record came on 3 September, when she arrived Chichi Jima to supervise the surrender of the Bonin Islands. Following occupation duty at Sasebo for 1 month, the destroyer departed Japan 29 October for San Diego, arriving there 29 November.

However, USS Lamson (DD-367) was still destined to play a valuable role in America's progress as she arrived Bikini Atoll later in May 1946 to participate in the Atomic Bomb Test Able. The destroyer was sunk in the atomic explosion 2 July 1946.

For a complete history of USS Lamson (DD-367) please see its DANFS page.