USS Griswold (DE-7)

The first Griswold was a former name retained. The second Griswold is named for Ens. Don T. Griswold, Jr., born 8 July 1917 in Bryan, Tex. After attending Iowa State, Griswold joined the Naval Aviation Corps. During the crucial Battle of Midway, 6 June 1942, his scout-bomber scored a hit on a Japanese ship but paid dearly for it as he was hit by antiaircraft fire and plunged into the sea. Ens. Griswold was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The second Griswold (DE-7) was launched 28 April 1943 at the Boston Navy Yard; sponsored by Mrs. Don T. Griswold, mother of Ens. Griswold; and commissioned the same day, Lt. Comdr. Charles M. Lyons in command.

After shakedown in Bermuda, Griswold headed for the Pacific, reaching Bora Bora, Society Islands, via Norfolk and the Panama Canal 23 July 1943. Immediately pressed into service, she escorted convoys through the South Pacific, until April 1944. On 12 September she conducted a 4-hour attack on a Japanese submarine off Guadalcanal ; and, although debris and an oil slick rose to the surface, she was not credited with a kill.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Griswold II (DE-7)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.