USS Hammann (DD-412)

USS "Hammann" (DD-412) was a World War II-era "Sims"-class destroyer in the service of the United States Navy, named after Ensign Charles Hazeltine Hammann, a Medal of Honor recipient killed during World War I.

Early career

"Hammann" was launched by the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Kearny, New Jersey, 4 February 1939; sponsored by Miss Lillian Hammann; and commissioned 11 August 1939, Comdr. Arnold E. True in command. "Hammann" conducted shakedown off the East Coast and for the next two years participated in training and readiness operations off both coasts.

World War II

Pacific Duty

At Iceland 7 December 1941 when war began, she quickly returned to Norfolk, Virginia, for fuel and supplies, and departed 6 January 1942 for the Pacific. She arrived San Francisco 22 January via the Panama Canal and sailed 25 February with Vice Admiral Fletcher's Task Force 17 for action in the South Pacific.

The destroyer took part in training maneuvers in the New Caledonia area during early March, and on 27 March the Task Force departed for the Coral Sea. "Hammann" acted as screening ship and plane guard for "Lexington" (CV-2), Returning to Tongatapu 20 April, the Task Force sortled again into the Coral Sea 27 April for a surprise air raid on Japanese Invasion forces on Tulagi.

While screening the carriers during the air raids of 4 May, "Hammann" was directed to rescue two fighter pilots downed on Guadalcanal, some 40 miles (65 km) to the north. Steaming at full speed, the destroyer arrived at dusk and sighted a marker on the beach, which proved to be a parachute. The motor whaleboat was put over the side, but dangerous surf prevented it from landing. Consequently, the pilots were recovered with the use of lines from the boat. This accomplished, an attempt was made to destroy the wreckage of the aircraft, but the rough water made this impossible; "Hammann" returned to "Lexington"'s screen from this successful operation that night.

The Battle of the Coral Sea

Four days later, 8 May, came the main action of the Battle of the Coral Sea, the first naval engagement fought entirely on both sides between aircraft and ships. During the exchange of air attacks, "Hammann" screened the carriers, firing at Japanese torpedo planes as they attacked. Just as the torpedo planes retired, dive bombers appeared, one exploding a bomb a scant 200 yards (200 m) off "Hammann"'s starboard bow. "Lexington", which had taken two devastating torpedo hits to port, was first thought to be under control, but a large internal explosion shortly before 13:00, followed later by others, sealed her fate. As the order was given to abandon ship, "Hammann", "Morris" (DD-417), and "Anderson" (DD-411) stood by to receive survivors. The destroyer picked up nearly 500 men from the water before the "Lady "Lex" went down the night of 8 May, torpedoed by destroyer "Phelps" (DD-360).

The Battle of Midway

The Battle of the Coral Sea, which checked the Japanese advance to the southeast, was over, but new demands called "Hammann" to the north. Under urgent orders from Admiral Nimitz to meet a new threat, "Hammann" moved to Pearl Harbor with the Task Force, arriving on 27 May. After making repairs, it got underway on 30 May and was just in time to take part in the Midway.

During the air battle on 4 June, "Hammann" screened the "Yorktown" (CV-5), helping to shoot down many of the attacking aircraft. However, the carrier took two torpedo hits and, listing heavily, was abandoned that afternoon. "Hammann" picked up survivors in the water — including "Yorktown"'s skipper, Captain Buckmaster — and transferred them to the larger ships. Efforts were mounted to save the stricken carrier on the next morning. A skeleton crew returned on board the "Yorktown", and attempts were made to tow her to safety. "Hammann" came alongside on 6 June to transfer a damage control party. The destroyer then lay alongside, providing hoses and water for firefighting, power, and other services while tied up next to the carrier.

The salvage party was making progress when the protective screen was penetrated by the Japanese submarine I-168 after noon on 6 June. Four torpedoes were loosed; two missed, one passed under "Hammann" and hit "Yorktown", and the fourth hit the destroyer amidships, breaking her back.

As the debris from the explosion rained down and the ships lurched apart, it was apparent that the "Hammann" was doomed. Life rafts were lowered and rescue efforts began by ships in company. The ship sank in just 4 minutes, and following the sinking a violent underwater explosion caused many deaths in the water, bringing the toll in dead to over 80. Survivors were taken on board "Benham" (DD-397) and "Balch" (DD-363).

"Hammann" was thus lost after taking part in two of the most important Pacific battles. "Hammann"'s skipper, Commander Arnold True, was awarded the Navy Cross and a Distinguished Service Medal for his performance while in command of "Hammann" at Coral Sea and Midway. "Hammann" also received two battle stars for service in World War II.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/h2/hammann-i.htm

External links

* [http://www.destroyerhistory.org/goldplater/usshammann.html USS "Hammann" website] at [http://www.destroyerhistory.org/index.html Destroyer History Foundation]