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USS Lang (DD-399)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS Lang (DD-399)

USS Lang (DD-399) was laid down by the Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Kearny, N.J., 5 April 1937; launched 27 August 1938; sponsored by Mrs. William D. Leahy, wife of Adm. William D. Leahy, Chief of Naval Operations; and commissioned 30 March 1939, Lt. Comdr. Felix L. Johnson in command.

USS Lang (DD-399) departed New York 12 August 1939 guarding President Franklin D. Roosevelt-s passage to Campobello, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. She voyaged between the west coast and Hawaii throughout the remainder of 1940 and into early 1941 engaged in escort duties and training.

USS Lang (DD-399) next sailed to Port Royal, Nova Scotia, for patrols with ships of the Royal Navy, then sailed for the British West Indies in January 1942. In transit she answered a distress call from torpedoed SS Empire Wildebeest, and rescued 34 survivors. She left Bermuda 18 March for Casco Bay, Maine, and thence sailed 26 March escorting TF 39 which included carrier USS Wasp. The force rendezvoused with three British ships 3 April and entered Scapa Flow, Scotland, the next day. 

Operating from the New Hebrides, USS Lang (DD-399) carried out patrol and escort missions in the continuing effort to reconquer the Solomons. On 22 and 24 January 1943 she bombarded Japanese positions near Kokumbona Beach, Guadalcanal, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. In July, USS Lang (DD-399) and four other destroyers sailed for Kula Gulf escorting six APDs to the New Georgia landings. USS Lang (DD-399) next sailed to Wewak, New Guinea, 31 August to lay a minefield and bombard shore positions. She then escorted two reinforcement convoys bound for Morotai 16 September to 3 October through heavy enemy air attacks. 

Departing Ulithi 27 March as flagship for ComDesDiv 4, USS Lang (DD-399) screened the transports of TF 53 to Okinawa. Under air attack from 12 to 29 April, USS Lang (DD-399) again incurred no damage and accounted for another enemy kamikaze. From 29 April to 17 May she screened three escort carriers providing direct air support for Okinawa operations, and then screened other flight operations near Okinawa to 11 June.

USS Lang (DD-399) departed the Pacific battle zones in June and arrived in San Francisco 3 July for repairs. En route to New York she rescued two downed pilots 25 August. USS Lang (DD-399) decommissioned 16 October 1945; was sold to George Nutman, Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y., 20 December; and scrapped 31 October 1947.

For a complete history of USS Lang (DD-399) please see its DANFS page.