U. S. S. DANIEL T. GRIFFIN
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In reply to:
Daniel T Griffin APD-38 High Speed Trans
6/16/00
The destroyer escort DANIEL T. GRIFFIN (DE-54) was launched 25 February 1943 at Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard in Hingham, Massachusetts. Sponsored by Mrs. Daniel T. Griffin, the ship was commissioned 9 June 1943, Lieutenant Commander P. M. Fenton, U. S. Naval Reserve, commanding. Escorted convoy to French Morocco August to September 1943, after which assumed convoy duty, making eight crossings, New York to Northern Ireland between October 1943 and September 1944. Converted to high-speed transport (APD) 22 October 1944 at Staten Island, New York and reclassified (APD-38) 23 October 1944. Operated in Pacific Theater of Operations from 6 February 1945 to cessation of hostilities. Participated in Occupation of Japan. During the assault on Okinawa, DANIEL T. GRIFFIN screened ships at Kerama Retto, and swept for mines. Delivered explosives to assault beaches and served as rescue ship until 18 May 1945. On 6 April 1945, fought off several "kamikaze" (suicide bombers) attacks, downing at least two enemy planes. When the destroyer USS MORRIS (DD-417) was hit, DANIEL T. GRIFFIN protected her against further attack, assisted in extinguishing fires and escorted the disabled vessel to Kerama Retto. Convoy duty at Saipan, Ulithi, Okinawa and the Philippines for the remaining months of the war. Decommissioned, transferred to the Reserve Fleet and berthed at Green Cove Springs, Florida 30 May 1946. Honors: Ameican Theater Streamer, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Streamer, Asiatic-Pacific Streamer with one bronze star (Ryukyus Operation), World War II Victory Streamer and Navy Occupation Service Streamer embroidered "Japan".
DANIEL T. GRIFFIN (DE-54) & (APD-38) was named for Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class Daniel Thornburg Griffin, U. S. Navy. Griffin was born 25 March 1911 in Allendale, Illinois. He enlisted in the navy 6 October 1930 and served until his death at Naval Air Station, Kaneohe, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii on 7 December 1941. He was killed while manning a machinegun during the attack by Japanese air elements on that date. Griffin was posthumously awarded a Special Letter of Commendation by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.
The submarine tender USS GRIFFIN (AS-13) was named in honor of Rear Admiral Robert S. Griffin, CEC, USN, an 1878 graduate of the Naval Academy.