USS Farenholt (DD-491)

Oscar Walter Farenholt, born 2 May 1843 in San Antonio, Tex., entered the Navy as a seaman 24 April 1861, after 3 years in the merchant service. Distinguished service led to his appointment as acting ensign 19 August 1864, and command of the mortar schooner Henry Janes in the sounds of North Carolina later that year. His last of many important billets at sea was in command of Monocacy, who acted as base of procurement at Shanghai for Dewey's fleet in the Spanish-American War. Rear Admiral Farenholt retired 1 September 1901, and died 30 June 1920 at Mare Island, Calif.

The second Farenholt (DD-491) was launched 19 November 1941 by Bethlehem Steel Co., Staten Island, N.Y.; sponsored by Miss N. L. Garland, great-grand-niece of Admiral Farenholt; and commissioned 2 April 1942, Lieutenant Commander E. T. Seaward in command.

Farenholt sailed from San Diego 1 July 1942 for Tongatabu, Tonga Islands, where between 18 and 23 July she joined in shore bombardment exercises. Sailing in the task force centered around Wasp (CV-7), Farenholt took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal 7 August, the first American land offensive of the war. She screened Wasp as the carrier launched air strikes supporting the Marines in the initial days of this long and bitter struggle, and acted as flagship for Destroyer Squadron 12. After replenishing at Noumea from 3 to 8 September, she returned to the Wasp group, covering the transportation of reinforcements from Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal. When her force was attacked by two Japanese submarines 15 September, she rescued 143 survivors of torpedoed Wasp, including the task force commander and the commanding officer of the carrier.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Farenholt II (DD-491)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.