USS Gillespie (DD 609).
Thirty 1,620-ton Benson-class destroyers were built in two groups. The first six were authorized in fiscal year 1938 and laid down at
Bethlehem Steel, Quincy, Massachusetts and three navy yards.The remaining 24 “repeat
Bensons” were authorized in 1941–42 and built at four Bethlehem Steel yards. They were laid down after the first group was commissioned. These plus the “
repeat Livermores” were also known at the time as the
Bristol class.
LOSSES
Laffey and
Barton were lost at the Battle of Guadalcanal, 13 November 1942.
Lansdale was lost in the Mediterranean 20 April 1944.
DECORATIONS
Laffey received the
Presidential Unit Citation for her role in the Battle of Guadalcanal.
Bailey received the Navy Unit Commendation for her role in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands, 26 March 1943.
Hilary P. Jones received the Navy Unit Commendation for her role in the final operations in the Mediterranean Sea, September 1944.
