USS McClelland

Career
Laid down:	21 July 1943
Launched:	28 November 1943
Commissioned:	19 September 1944
Battle Stars:	3 for World War II
Placed Out of Service:	12 September 1960
Struck:	1 August 1972
Fate:	Sold for scrapping 1 November 1973
General characteristics
Class:	Cannon-class destroyer escort
Type:	DET (diesel-electric tandem motor drive, long hull, 3" guns)
Displacement:	1,240 tons (std) 1,620 tons (full)
Dimensions:	306' (oa), 300' (wl) x 36' 10" x 11' 8" (max)
Range:	10,800 nm @ 12 knots
Speed:	21 knots
Complement:	15 / 201
Armament:	3 x 3"/50 Mk22 (1x3), 1 twin 40mm Mk1 AA, 8 x 20mm Mk 4 AA, 3 x 21" Mk15 TT (3x1), 1 Hedgehog Projector Mk10 (144 rounds), 8 Mk6 depth charge projectors, 2 Mk9 depth charge tracks
Propulsion:	4 GM Mod. 16-278A diesel engines with electric drive, 6000 shp, 2 screws

USS McClelland (DE-750) was a Cannon-class destroyer escort built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. She served in the Pacific Ocean and provided escort service against submarine and air attack for Navy vessels and convoys. Post-war she was reassigned as a training vessel.

She was named in honor of Ensign Thomas Alfred McClelland, who was reported dead after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941. The ship was laid down 21 July 1943 by the Western Pipe and Steel Company, San Pedro, California, launched 28 November 1943; sponsored by Mrs. T. A. McClelland, widow of Ensign McClelland; and commissioned 19 September 1944, Lt. Comdr. Glendon D. Williams, in command.

== World War II Pacific Theatre operations

McClelland departed the west coast for Pearl Harbor 11 December 1944. There, until 24 January 1945, she received further training in antisubmarine and antiaircraft warfare in preparation for the assault on the Volcano Islands. By the end of January she was in the screen for task group TG 51.5 bound for Iwo Jima. She arrived off that island 20 February, the day after the initial landings.

Under Attack by Kamikaze Planes

On the 21st, TG 51.5 was attacked by three suicide planes; two scored hits on ships of the main body while the third was splashed. The next day, the combined fire of the group destroyed four more enemy aircraft as they went into their attack dive. Following this action, McClelland assumed antisubmarine screening duties and HUK activities to the north and west of the island.

== Supporting Okinawa Invasion operations

On 28 February, the destroyer escort steamed to Espiritu Santo to prepare for the Okinawa offensive. She arrived off Okinawa 9 April, remaining until 8 June. During that long, bitter campaign she took part in the capture of Isuken Shima; performed escort services among the Ryukyus, and helped to maintain the anti-air and antisubmarine screen. While she was patrolling on the latter duty, 1 June, a kamikaze pilot dived from astern. McClelland’s gunfire and fast maneuvering caused the airplane to splash when 25 yards off her starboard beam.

On 8 June, McClelland steamed to Saipan. On 4 July she joined the U.S. 3rd Fleet’s logistics task group east of Japan. She screened that group, TG 30.8, as they provisioned units of TF 38, then striking the Japanese homeland. On 21 July she departed the area, escorting USS Presidio (APA-88) to Eniwetok, Ulithi, and Leyte. The two ships rejoined TG 30.8, 21 August, and after the signing of the official surrender document, sailed for Ulithi.

End-of-War Activity

McClelland arrived in Japanese waters 27 September, remaining in Tokyo until 12 October when she sailed for the United States. She arrived Norfolk, Virginia, 2 December, and 5 January 1946 departed for Green Cove Springs, Florida. There she decommissioned 15 May and entered the Atlantic Reserve Fleet.

Reassigned as Training Vessel

The following September, McClelland was placed in service and assigned to the 7th Naval District as a Reserve training vessel, operating out of Jacksonville, Florida. After the disestablishment of that district, she continued her training duties in the same area under the authority of the Commander, 6th Naval District. On 14 July 1950 the ship was placed in commission, in reserve, at Charleston, South Carolina. She conducted weekend and summer cruise programs for naval reservists of the 6th Naval District until 1959. Her summer cruises during this time took her as far north as St. John’s, Newfoundland; as far south as Barranquilla, Colombia; and as far east as Cadiz, Spain.

Final Decommissioning

In 1959 she was transferred to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and at the end of the year began deactivation for a second time. On 12 September 1960, she decommissioned and entered the Atlantic Inactive Fleet. She remained berthed at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, until sold for scrapping on 1 November 1973.

Awards

McClelland received three battle stars for World War II service.

Dedication

The McClelland participated in the dedication of Port Canaveral, Florida on November 4, 1953.

• 1953 Port Canaveral Dedication photos and papers

References

 This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

See also

• List of United States Navy ships
• World War II
• Destroyer escort

External links

• Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
• NavSource Online: Destroyer Escort Photo Archive - USS McClelland (DE-750)
• The USS McClelland, DE 750
• DE-750 USS McClelland
• NavSource Online: Destroyer Escort Photo Archive
• 1953 Port Canaveral Dedication photos and papers