Naval History and Heritage Command

Finding aid (Word)

Biographical Note

Lieutenant Commander David T. Hedges served in the U.S. Navy Reserve during World War II. Classified an Intelligence Officer, Hedges was assigned to USS Buck (DD-420) in September 1943. That month, Buck departed Boston for the Mediterranean, where she supported the Allied invasion of Italy. On 9 October 1943, Buck was torpedoed and sank within four minutes. Hedges was the senior officer of the 97 men to survive the sinking. Rescued by the destroyer Gleaves after 20 hours in the water, Hedges was taken to the Naval Hospital in Palermo, Italy, for treatment before returning to the U.S.

Scope and Content Note

This collection consists of a handwritten journal containing Hedges' account of Buck's last mission. It describes his duties onboard, impressions of the ship and crew, and the ship's activities during September and October 1943. His account of the sinking and his subsequent rescue and recovery are included as well. Though written in the style of a diary, it is actually a memoir, as Hedges prepared it at a later date.

Restrictions Note

A reference copy of the journal has been made and is to be used by researchers. The original is available only by permission of the Processing Archivist or Archives Branch Head.

Preferred Citation

This collection should be cited as Papers of David T. Hedges, Archives Branch, Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, D.C.

Subject Headings (LCSH)

Buck (Destroyer : DD-420)
World War, 1939-1945--Naval Operations, American.
Warships--United States.
United States. Navy--Officers--Diaries.
United States. Navy--History--Sources.