USS Lang (DD-399)

Born 17 June 1794 in Curacao, D.W.I., and a resident of New Brunswick, N.J., John Lang was a seaman on board Wasp during her engagement with HMS Frolic 18 October 1812. He was the first man to board the British ship in the closing stage of the action, and his ardor and impetuosity carried the remainder of the boarding party with him.

Lang (DD-399) was laid down by the Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Kearny, N.J., 5 April 1937; launched 27 August 1938; sponsored by Mrs. William D. Leahy, wife of Adm. William D. Leahy, Chief of Naval Operations; and commissioned 30 March 1939, Lt. Comdr. Felix L. Johnson in command.

Lang departed New York 12 August 1939 guarding President Franklin D. Roosevelt-s passage to Campobello, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. The President came on board the 24th at Sandy Hook, N.J., for transit to Fort Hancock. In November, the destroyer left Newport, R.I., for Galveston, Tex., and duty on the Gulf Patrol. Transferred to the Pacific, she reached San Diego 18 March 1940 and Pearl Harbor 2 April, where she participated in fleet problems and training exercises. She voyaged between the west coast and Hawaii throughout the remainder of 1940 and into early 1941 engaged in escort duties and training.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Lang I (DD-399)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.