Charles E Brannon DE-446

Charles E. Brannon

Charles E. Brannon, who was born 2 August 1919 in Montgomery, Ala., enlisted in the Naval Reserve 14 April 1941 for aviation training. Ensign Brannon reported for duty in Torpedo Squadron 8 in carrier Hornet (CV-8) 3 February 1942, and was killed in action 4 June 1942 during the Battle of Midway. He was awarded a Navy Cross posthumously for his extraordinary heroism in pressing home an attack against a Japanese carrier.

(DE-446: dp. 1,350; 1. 306'; b. 36'8"; dr. 9'5"; s. 24 k.;
cpl. 186; a. 2 5", 3 21" tt., 8 dcp., 1 dcp.(hh.), 2 act;
cl. John C. Butler)

Charles E. Brannon (DE-446) was launched 23 April 1944 by Federal Shipbuilding Co., Newark, N.J.; sponsored by Second Lieutenant D. Brannon, WAC; and commissioned 1 November 1944, Commander E. W. Todd in command.

Putting out from New York 27 January 1945, Charles E. Brannon escorted cargo ships by way of the Panama Canal, and the Galapagos and Society Islands to Manus, arriving 15 March. Routed on to San Pedro Bay, P.I., she began the important task of guarding interisland convoys. Late in April, she sailed in the screen of the assault forces bound for Tarakan, Borneo, off which she lay from 1 to 8 May, covering the landings and giving call fire support. Her effective gunfire won many compliments from the troops whose advance was thereby expedited. Charles E. Brannon gave similar support during the assault on Brunei Bay which began 10 June.

From the beginning of July through mid-September 1945, Charles E. Brannon escorted convoys sailing from the Philippines to Okinawa, then participated in the occupation of China operating between Okinawa and Hong Kong. She returned to San Francisco 1 February 1946, and on 21 May 1946 was placed out of commission in reserve at San Diego.

From August 1946 into 1960, Charles E. Brannon was assigned to the reserve training program. In cruises along the west coast over weekends and in more extended periods, active reservists manned her in refresher training. From 21 November 1950 to 18 June 1960, Charles E. Brannon performed this service in commissioned status, and since the latter date has been in service under an officer in charge, with a reserve officer in command when she puts to sea with her reserve training group.

Charles E. Brannon received one battle star for World War II service.