Namesake William H. G. Bullard Commissioned 9 April 1943 Struck 1 December 1972 Construction started 16 October 1942 Length 115 m | Laid down 16 October 1942 Decommissioned 20 December 1946 Motto "What's in it for me!" Launched 28 February 1943 | |
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Builder Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company | ||
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USS Bullard (DD-660) was a Fletcher-class destroyer of the United States Navy, named for Rear Admiral William H. G. Bullard (1866–1927).
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Bullard was launched 28 February 1943 by Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Kearny, N.J., sponsored by Mrs. H. G. Bullard, widow of Rear Admiral Bullard; and commissioned 9 April 1943, Commander G. R. Hartwig in command.
Service history
After conducting brief operations along the eastern seaboard and in the Caribbean, Bullard proceeded to the Pacific, arriving at Pearl Harbor 29 August 1943. With the exception of one voyage to California (10 September 1944 – 18 February 1945) she operated constantly in forward areas of the Pacific rendering fire support, plane guard, patrol, and radar picket services. She participated in
On 11 April 1945, during the Okinawa operation Bullard was slightly damaged by a Japanese kamikaze. Repairs completed at Okinawa, she departed on 31 May, and steamed to Leyte. Departing Leyte Gulf, 1 July, Bullard next participated in the 3rd Fleet raids against Japan (10 July – 15 August).
After the cessation of hostilities, Bullard remained in the Far East engaged in occupation duties until 10 November 1945, when she departed for San Pedro, Calif., arriving on 3 December. She operated along the west coast during most of 1946, and then reported to San Diego for inactivation. Bullard was placed out of commission in reserve on 20 December 1946.
Bullard was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 December 1972. She was sold on 3 December 1973 and broken up for scrap.
Awards
Bullard received nine battle stars for her World War II service.