USS William C. Lawe (DD-763)

• Namesake Heroism: USS William C. Lawe (DD-763) was named after Ensign William C. Lawe, a Navy officer killed during the Battle of Tassafaronga in World War II, posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery. • Gearing-Class Destroyer: The ship was a Gearing-class destroyer, one of the most prolific and enduring destroyer designs used by the U.S. Navy during and after World War II. • Commissioning Date: William C. Lawe was commissioned on December 18, 1946, too late to participate in WWII but went on to serve in several major Cold War conflicts. • Korean War Service: The ship saw action during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, plane guard duty, and patrolling duties. • Vietnam War Operations: William C. Lawe participated extensively in the Vietnam War, supporting ground forces with gunfire and serving on search and rescue missions for downed pilots. • Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the destroyer played a role in the naval quarantine of Cuba, helping enforce the U.S. blockade. • Rescue Operations: In 1966, the ship rescued the crew of a burning Liberian freighter, SS Concordia Falcon, in the Atlantic Ocean, earning commendations for the crew's heroic efforts. • Fleet Modernization: William C. Lawe underwent FRAM I (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) conversion in the early 1960s, receiving new anti-submarine capabilities and an improved superstructure. • Longest-Serving Gearing: By the time of her decommissioning in 1983, William C. Lawe was one of the longest-serving Gearing-class destroyers still active in the U.S. Navy. • Final Fate: After decommissioning, the ship was sunk as a target during fleet exercises in 1987, ending over 35 years of distinguished service.