USS Conner (DD-582)

David Conner, born in 1792 in Harrisburg, Pa., was appointed a midshipman 16 January 1809. During the War of 1812 Conner served in Hornet during her chase of HMS Belvedere and her actions with HMS Peacock and HMS Penguin, during the latter of which he was wounded. He served as a Navy Commissioner in 1841 and 1842, and upon the establishment of the bureau system in the Navy became the first Chief of the Bureau of Construction, Equipment, and Repair. During the Mexican War, he commanded the Home Squadron which operated in the Gulf of Mexico in 1846 and 1847 and executed a brilliant amphibious assault against Vera Cruz. Commodore Conner died 20 March 1856 in Philadelphia.

The second Conner (DD-582) was launched 18 July 1942 by Boston Navy Yard; sponsored by Miss T. L. Conner; and commissioned 8 June 1943, Lieutenant Commander W. E. Kaitner in command.

Conner arrived in Pearl Harbor from the east coast 19 September 1943, and joined the task force for the raid on Wake Island of 5 and 6 October. She put to sea again from Pearl Harbor 10 November for the invasion of the Gilberts, during which she screened carriers, and protected assault shipping as it unloaded. She bombarded Nauru Island on 8 December, and sailed to Efate, New Hebrides, from which she screened the air strikes on Kavieng, New Ireland, arriving at Funafuti 21 January 1944 to join the huge carrier TF 58.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Conner II (DD-582)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.