USS Epperson DD 719

• Namesake: USS Epperson (DD-719) was named in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Harold Glenn Epperson, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Battle of Saipan in World War II. • Class: The ship was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, a class known for its improved anti-aircraft capabilities and more advanced armament compared to previous classes. • Commissioning: USS Epperson was launched on December 22, 1945, by Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Kearny, New Jersey, and commissioned on March 19, 1949. • Korean War Service: The destroyer served multiple tours during the Korean War, providing gunfire support, anti-submarine warfare, and carrier escort duties. • Famous Rescue: In 1951, USS Epperson participated in the rescue of survivors from the destroyer USS Walke (DD-723), which had struck a mine off the Korean coast. • FRAM Overhaul: In the early 1960s, Epperson underwent Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) to improve her anti-submarine warfare capabilities, receiving new weapons and sensors. • Vietnam War: The ship saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, providing naval gunfire support, screening carriers, and conducting search and rescue missions. • Special Operations: In 1967, Epperson participated in "Operation Sea Dragon," interdicting North Vietnamese logistics by shelling shore targets and engaging enemy supply craft. • Friendly Fire Incident: On August 18, 1968, Epperson suffered minor damage when accidentally fired upon by another U.S. ship during gunfire support operations off Vietnam. • Decommissioning & Transfer: USS Epperson was decommissioned in December 1972 and later sold to the Republic of Turkey, where she served as TCG Piyalepasa (D350) until 1987.