USS Eugene A. Greene

Eugene A. Greene, born 21 November 1921 in Smithtown, L.I., N.Y., enlisted in the Naval Reserve 13 January 1941, and after aviation training, was commissioned ensign 30 August 1941. Serving in Bombing Squadron 6 in Enterprise (CV-6), he was killed in action 4 June 1942 in the Battle of Midway. He distinguished himself in breaking through heavy Japanese fighter and antiaircraft opposition to dive bomb a Japanese carrier, and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his selfless heroism.

The name Eugene A. Greene was assigned to DE-549 on 28 October 1943, canceled on 10 June 1944, and reassigned to DD-711 on 10 July 1944.

Eugene A. Greene (DD-711) was launched 18 March 1945 by Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Kearny, N.J.; sponsored by Mrs. Anita M. Greene, widow of Ensign Greene; and commissioned 8 June 1945, Commander W. V. Pratt, III, in command.

Eugene A. Greene operated along the east coast and in the Caribbean on shakedown training, acting as plane guard during the qualification of pilots in carrier operations, and training men for the crews of new destroyers. From her home port in Norfolk, she sailed to Guantanamo Bay for training early in 1947, and on 13 February sailed in a task group bound for Montevideo, Uruguay, to participate in the festivities accompanying the inauguration of Uruguay's president. The group also paid a good will visit to Rio de Janeiro before returning to Norfolk 31 March.

On 10 November 1947 Eugene A. Greene sailed on the first of 9 Mediterranean cruises made over the next 13 years. During those years, she and her sisters of the U.S. 6th Fleet have guarded the interests of peace and order in that sea which was the cradle of democratic government. Voyages to northern Europe and the Arctic varied the routine of overseas deployment for Eugene A. Greene.

Except for the period 1 April 1952 to 1 December 1952 when she was out of commission being converted to a radar picket destroyer, Eugene A. Greene, like nearly all other destroyers, has had little time for relaxation. When not on distant duty, she has sailed east coast and Caribbean waters constantly, schooling reservists, serving as plane guard in carrier operations, exercising with large task groups, and standing watch against any air or sea borne threat to the security of the free world.

From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Eugene A. Greene (DD-711)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.