USS Pillsbury (DD-227)

John E. Pillsbury, born in Lowell, Mass. 15 December 1846, was appointed Midshipman in 1862 and commissioned an Ensign in 1868. After serving on various stations afloat and ashore, he commanded the coast steamer Blake from 1884 to 1891 and did excellent scientific work, using in some of his research instruments of his own invention. In the Spanish-American War he commanded the dynamite cruiser Vesuvius, operating around the island of Cuba and in the vicinity of Morro Castle. In 1905 he served as Chief of Staff of the North Atlantic Fleet and in 1908-09, was Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. Although Rear Admiral Pillsbury's attainments as a Sailor and a fighting man were noteworthy, he is perhaps best known as having been one of the world's foremost geographers and as an authority of the Gulf stream. Actively identified with the National Geographic Society for many years, he was president of the society at the time of his death, 30 December 1919.

The first Pillsbury (DD-227) was laid down by William Cramp and Sons, Philadelphia, Pa. 23 October 1919; launched 3 August 1920; sponsored by Miss Helen Langdon Richardson; and commissioned 15 December 1920, Lt. H. W. Barnes in command.

Pillsbury served for many years with the Asiatic Fleet. On 27 November 1941, by order of the Commander Asiatic Fleet, Admiral T. C. Hart, Pillsbury departed from Manila together with other units of the fleet. For some time she operated in the vicinity of Borneo, and was in that area when the Japanese struck at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Pillsbury I (DD-227)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.