- USS Bullard (DD-660)
USS "Bullard" (DD-660) was a "Fletcher"-class
destroyer of theUnited States Navy , named for Rear AdmiralWilliam H. G. Bullard (1866–1927)."Bullard" was launched
28 February 1943 byFederal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. , Kearny, N.J., sponsored by Mrs. H. G. Bullard, widow of Rear Admiral Bullard; and commissioned9 April 1943, Commander G. R. Hartwig in command.History
After conducting brief operations along the eastern seaboard and in the
Caribbean , "Bullard" proceeded to thePacific , arriving atPearl Harbor 29 August 1943. With the exception of one voyage toCalifornia (10 September 1944 –18 February 1945 ) she operated constantly in forward areas of the Pacific rendering fire support, plane guard, patrol, andradar picket services. She participated in
* theWake Island raid (5–6 October 1943);
*Rabaul strike (11 November );
* the invasion of Tarawa (19 November –1 December );
* the occupation of Kwajalein andMajuro Atolls (22 January –March 1944);
*Admiralty Islands landings (30 March –13 April ),
*Hollandia operation (16 April –4 May );
* seizures of Saipan and of Guam (10 June –17 August ) and
* the Okinawa operation (15 March –31 May 1945 ).On
11 April 1945 during the Okinawa operation "Bullard" was slightly damaged by a Japanesekamikaze suicide plane. Repairs completed atOkinawa , she departed31 May and steamed to Leyte. DepartingLeyte Gulf ,1 July , "Bullard" next participated in the 3d Fleet raids against Japan (10 July –15 August ).After the cessation of hostilities "Bullard" remained in the
Far East engaged in occupation duties until10 November 1945 when she departed for San Pedro, Calif., arriving3 December . She operated along the west coast during most of 1946 and then reported toSan Diego for inactivation. "Bullard" was placed out of commission in reserve20 December 1946 ."Bullard" was stricken from the
Naval Vessel Register 1 December 1972 . She was sold3 December 1973 and broken up for scrap.Awards
"Bullard" received nine
battle star s for herWorld War II service.References
*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/b10/bullard-i.htm
External links
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/b10/bullard-i.htm history.navy.mil: USS "Bullard"]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/660.htm navsource.org: USS "Bullard"]
* [http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/destroy/dd660txt.htm hazegray.org: USS "Bullard"]
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