USS Roberts (DE-749)

Arthur John Roberts, Jr., born 14 January 1920 in Chicago, Ill., was commissioned ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve 20 July 1942 and, after instruction at the Midshipmen's School Northwestern University, he was assigned to Pensacola (CA-24) then operating in the Solomons. Ensign Roberts was killed in the Battle of Tassafaronga, Guadalcanal, 30 November-1 December 1942.

Roberts (DE-749) was laid down 11 February 1943 by the Western Pipe & Steel Co., San Pedro, Calif.; launched 14 November 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Ruth Marohn; and commissioned 2 September 1944, Lt. Comdr. Robert M. Catharine, Jr., USNR, in command.

Following shakedown off southern California, Roberts sailed for Pearl Harbor on 30 November. On her arrival 10 December, she joined a hunter-killer (HUK) group operating with Corregidor (CVE-58); and, for the next 3 weeks, patrolled to the north and east of Hawaii. During January and early February 1945, her group operated to the west, primarily in the Marshalls, then returned to Pearl Harbor. From 1 to 18 March, the group searched, unsuccessfully, between Johnston Island and Kwajalein for an overdue Army Air Corps transport carrying Lt. Gen. M. F. Harmon, USA. Toward the end of the month the ships replenished at Majuro, then resumed HUK operations, this time in the Marshalls.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Roberts (DE-749)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.