Bivin DE-536

Bivin

Born in Greenville, Ky., 23 November 1921, Vernard Eugene Bivin enlisted in the Navy in 1940. Killed in action on board Salt Lake City (CA-25) 12 October 1942, during the Battle of Cape Esperance, Seaman First Class Bivin received a posthumous Navy Cross.

(DE-536: dp. 1350; 1. 306'; b. 36'8"; dr. 13'4"; s. 24 k.;
cpl. 186; a. 2 5"; cl. John C. Butler)

Bivin (DE-536) was launched 7 December 1943 by Boston Navy Yard; sponsored by Mrs. Ella Florence Bivin, mother of Seaman Bivin; and commissioned 31 October 1944, Lieutenant Commander M. Kelly in command.

Assigned to the Pacific Fleet, Bivin departed Boston I February 1945 and arrived at Seeadler Harbor, Manus, Admiralty Islands, 20 March. After escorting a convoy from Kossol Roads, Palau Islands, to Leyte during late March and early April, she patrolled and escorted convoys in the Philippines. Between late August and early November she escorted convoys from the Philippines to Okinawa, patrolled in the Philippines, and made a trip to Hong Kong. Returning to San Pedro, Calif., 17 December 1945 she reported to the 19th Fleet. On 15 January 1947 she went out of commission in reserve.