USS Bancroft (DD-598)

The third USS Bancroft (DD-598) was a Benson-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War II. She was named for George Bancroft.

Bancroft was launched 31 December 1941 by Bethlehem Steel Company, Quincy, Massachusetts; sponsored by Mrs. Hester Bancroft Barry, great-granddaughter of George Bancroft; commissioned 30 April 1942, Lieutenant Commander J. L. Melgaard in command; and reported to the Pacific Fleet.

Bancroft arrived at Dutch Harbor, Alaska, 17 September 1942 and remained in the Aleutian Islands until late August 1943, supporting the occupation of Amchitka (12 January 1943), Attu (11 May-2 June), and Kiska (15 August) Islands. Between September 1943 and July 1945 she was a wheelhorse in fire support, screening, and escort duties in the Wake Island raid (5-6 October 1943); Tarawa, Gilbert Islands raid (18 September) and occupation (20 November-6 December); Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, seizure (31 January-16 February 1944); Mille Atoll, Marshall Islands, landings (17-18 March); Palau and Woleai raid (29 March-2 April); Hollandia operation (21-24 April); Truk-Satawan-Ponape raid (28-30 April), Wotje Island, Marshall Islands, Mid (23 May); Saipan occupation (25 June-22 July); Maloelap Atoll, Marshall Islands, raid (8 August); Philippine Islands operations (8 March 3 April 1945); and the Borneo operations (1 May-5 July).

Between September and November 1945 Bancroft escorted convoys between the Philippine Islands, Okinawa, and Japan.

On 9 December 1945 she arrived at Norfolk, Virginia and went out of commission in reserve at Charleston, South Carolina, 1 February 1946. She was scrapped in 1973.

Bancroft received eight battle stars for her World War II service.

See USS Bancroft for other ships of this name.

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