USS Jeffers

William Nicholon Jeffers, born in Gloucester County, N.J., 6 October 1824, was appointed Midshipman 23 September 1840. His early service was in frigates Congress and United States, and during the Mexican War he took part in the attack on Alvarado, the capture of Tobasco, and the bombardment of Vera Cruz. In the 1850's he was engaged in numerous expeditions to Central America, and was responsible for a preliminary survey of the isthmus of Honduras. During the early months of the Civil War, Jeffers commanded Philadelphia in the Potomac and served in frigate Roanoke off Charleston and Hatteras Inlet. In December 1861 he took command of Underwriter and soon afterward took part in the capture of Roanoke Island and the destruction of the Confederate squadron at Elizabeth City. After the wounding of Captain Worden of Monitor during her historic engagement with Virginia, Jeffers commanded her, taking part mainly in shore bombardment in the James River. For the remainder of the war he was on ordnance duty in Philadelphia and Washington. Jeffers commanded Swatara in the Mediterranean and in African waters, and in 1873 was made Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance. Commodore Jeffers served in this capacity for 8 years and contributed much to the science and literature of naval ordnance. He died at Washington 23 July 1883.

Jeffers (DD-621) was laid down by Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Kearny, N.J., 25 March 1942; launched 26 August 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Lucie Jeffers Lyons, great-granddaughter of Commodore Jeffers; and commissioned 5 November 1942, Lt. Comdr. W. G. McGarry in command.

After shakedown and training in Casco Bay, Maine, Jeffers operated briefly on the East Coast until departing Norfolk 18 February 1943 on her first transatlantic voyage escorting a convoy to Casablanca and returning 14 April. The ship patrolled off Argentia, Newfoundland, for a week before steaming to Norfolk to prepare for the coming invasion of Sicily.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Jeffers (DD-621)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.