FLUSH DECK DESTROYERS

This is a comprehensive study of the 273 flush deck, four stack destroyers built between 1917 and 1922. Forty of these ships, urgently needed to fight the Kaiser’s U-Boats commissioned before WWI ended and 28 of them served in European waters before that war ended. During the 1930’s, 93 of them were scrapped, along with hundreds of older ships.

In late 1929 and early 1930 forces afloat saved 60 of the ships in a little known effort that was accomplished without the need of additional taxpayers dollars. This story and many others are told in the pages of this study.

Whether serving as Destroyer, High Speed Transport (APD), Seaplane Tender (AVD), Light Minelayer (DM) or High Speed Minesweeper (DMS), the ships gave a good account of themselves. A chronology of WW II details the actions that earned the ships more than 422 Stars, 21 Presidential Unit Citations and 94 Navy Unit Commendations. Their officers and crews were awarded everything from the Medal of Honor to the Purple Heart.

As the war ended, so too ended the Family Saga. No ship remained as a museum, display ship or curiosity.

Some few relics HAVE survived, largely unknown to even those who served in the ships. They do not appear in any official or unofficial list, but they are detailed in this study.