USS Leary (DD-879)

Born in Fowey, England, 11 January 1894, Clarence Frederick Leary came to the United States with his family as a boy. After the United States entered World War I he was commissioned lieutenant in the Naval Reserve 12 June 1918, and appointed executive officer in Carlton Hall. He died of burns and smoke inhalation when he entered the ship's burning hold 20 July in an attempt to save both ship and crew. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his self-sacrificing valor.

Leary (DD-879) was laid down 11 August 1944 by Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Tex.; launched 20 January 1945; sponsored by Mrs. Theodore S. Wilkinson, wife of Vice Adm. T. S. Wilkinson; and commissioned 7 May 1945, Comdr. Ernest G. Campbell in command.

On 23 June 1945 Leary completed her shakedown off Guantanamo Bay and proceeded to Norfolk. Overhauled and converted to a radar picket destroyer she reported for duty with TF 69 the day before the Japanese accepted terms for surrender. After a period of training off the Maine coast she proceeded to New York and took part in a presidential review 27 October.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Leary II (DD-879)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.