USS Liddle (DE-206)

Born 27 January 1919 in Richlands, Va., William Porter Liddle, Jr., enlisted in the Navy 2 July 1937. Assigned to Company L, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, during the Guadalcanal campaign, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Liddle was killed 19 August 1942. “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during the action against enemy Japanese forces...,” he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal. The citation continued: “During vigorous attacks by our force on the Japanese-held village of Matanikao, Liddle, with cool courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety continuously exposed himself to hostile machinegun and rifle fire in order to administer to his wounded comrades. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.”

DF-76 was laid down 10 May 1943 by Bethlehem Steel Co., Hingham, Mass.; named Liddle 27 May; and launched 31 July. Transferred to the United Kingdom under the Lend-Lease Act 22 October 1943, she was commissioned in the Royal Navy as frigate HMS Bligh (K-467). The ship operated in the eastern Atlantic, and supported the Normandy invasion and other operations off the English Channel. Returned to the United States 12 November 1945, she was sold 13 June 1946.

Liddle (DE-206) was laid down by Charleston Navy Yard 8 June 1943; launched 9 August 1943; sponsored by Mrs. William Porter Liddle, mother of Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class William Porter Liddle, Jr.; and commissioned 6 December 1943, Lt. Comdr. R. M. Hinckley, Jr., in command.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Liddle (DE-206)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.