Destroyers: Fletcher Class

[Brian James]

Fletcher Class Destroyer USS Hoel pictured off San Francisco on August 3rd 1943...She was sunk by an overwhelming IJN BB force on October 25th 1944, during the Battle of Samar, only 86 of Hoel's complement survived; 253 officers and men died with their ship, at least 40 of them dying in the water while awaiting rescue.....RIP...Lest We Forget.

[Brian James]

Fletcher Class Destroyer USS Norman Scott pictured conducting a RAS with Casablanca Class Escort Carrier USS Gambier Bay in 1944....Gambier Bay was sunk by Japanese Battleship and Cruiser gunfire on October 25th 1944 during the Battle off Samar with the loss of 147 crew.