Impeccable AM-320

Impeccable

Free from fault, blemish, or error.

(AM-320: dp. 890, 1. 221'2", b. 32', dr. 10'; s. 18 k.; cpl.
105; a. 1 3", 2 40mm., 2 dct., 5 dcp.; cl. Auk)

Impeccable ( AM-320), ex BAM-7, was launched by GLeneral Engineering and Dry Dock Co., Alameda, Cal~., 21 May 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Agnes W. Hanson; and commissioned 24 April 1944, Lt. Comdr. El. H. Smith in command.

The new minesweeper conducted shakedown training off the California coast before sailing 3 July 1944 on Pacific escort duty. Until November she steamed between Pearl Harbor and the advance base at E:niwetok, and during the last two months of 1944 operated on this vital duty in the Palaus. After patrol and escort duty out of Ulithi in early 1945, Impeccable departed 19 March 1945 to take part in the largest of the great Pacific amphibious assaults Okinawa.

Arriving off the island 24 March in advance of the landing group, the mihesweeper began her critical job of sweeping the approach and transport areas. She underwent air attack 28 March and with the main assault 1 April moved to screening duties. As the Japanese hurled wave atter wave of suicide planes at the invasion deet in a desperate attempt to stop the capture of Okinawa, Im. peccablo's crew frequently manned their guns for long periods. She underwent air attack at Kerama Retto 6 April, and in the long days that followed patrolled both ofE the Hagushi beaches and on picket station. On 20 May she went alongside to give assistance to Chase, damaged by a kamikaze attack. She also Performed rescue duties when other screening and escort ships were damaged by enemy air action. Despite the heavy raids, Okinawa was won, and Impecoable sailed 1 July for Guam.

The veteran minesweeper returned to Okinawa with a resupply convoy from Guam and sailed again 1G August, the day after the Japanese agreement to Armistice. Despite the end of hostilities, much necessary and dangerous work remained for units of the fleet. Impeccable returned to Okinawa 21 August; then in September and November swept the approaches to Wakayama, Japan, in support of occupation operations. Impeccable departed Sasebo 20 November, sailiDg via Pearl Harbor to San Francisco where she arrived 15 December 1945. She remained there until decommissioning at Terminal Island 27 March 1947.

Impeccable'recommissioned 12 March 1952 to strengthen American fleet units in Rorea, and after shakedown sailed 3 September for Sasebo. She moved immediately to the Wonsan aren to strengthen the naval siege and keep the harbor clear of mines. The ship also took part in the amphibious feint at Eojo 12 to 14 October, exchanging flre with shore batteries in the area. During the months that followed Impeccable remained on the eastern coast, aiding the naval blockade and helping to maintain our position on the offshore islands. She drove a sampan ashore off Hungnam 17 November 1952, and fought with Wonsan batteries 20 February 1953 while covering a minesweeping operation.

Her tour in the stalemated Korean conflict ended, Impeccable arrived Pearl Harbor 31 March and her homeport, Long Beach, 10 April 1953. For the rest of the year the ship operated on training and readiness exercises olf Mexico and the Canal Zone. Impeccable remained on minesweeping and fleet maneuvers through the first half of 1955. Impeccable was reclassifled MSF~20, 7 February 1955. She arrived Astoria, Oreg., 16 August 1955

decommissioned 14 October; and entered the Pacific Reserve fleet at Bremerton, Wash., where she remains.

Impeccable received three battle stars for World War II service and two for Korean service.