USS Eversole (DE-404)

John Thomas Eversole was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on 17 April 1915 to John J. and Sarah W. (Ralston) Eversole. Upon finishing grade school in 1932, John, or Thomas as he preferred to be called in High School, entered the Southern Branch of the University of Idaho. He attended that school for two years before deciding to join the U.S. Navy in May 1934, and subsequently went on to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., that same year.

During his time at the academy “Tom” was described by his classmates as being “an excellent shipmate… buoyant of mind,” and he actively participated in fencing, rifle, boat club and football. Tom graduated from the Naval Academy on 2 June 1938 with a commission as ensign.

Following graduation, Ens. Eversole reported on board the light cruiser Cincinnati (CL-6) and served in that vessel until September 1939 at which point he was transferred to the recently recommissioned destroyer Crowninshield (DD-134). He was detached from her in August 1940, shortly before she was turned over to the Royal Navy under the “destroyers for bases” agreement.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Eversole I (DE-404)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.