Burden R Hastings DE-19

Burden R. Hastings

Born in Washington, D. C., 1 August 1910, Burden Robert Hastings was appointed Midshipman in 1929 and later designated a Naval Aviator. He was killed in action 27 December 1941 at Jolo, Philippine Islands.

(DE-19: dp. 1140; 1. 289'5" ; b. 35'1"; dr. 11'; s. 21 k.;
cpl. 156; a. 3 3"; cl. Evarts)

Burden R. Hastings (DE-19) was launched as HMS Duckworth (BDE-19) 20 November 1942 by Mare Island Navy Yard; taken over by the United States and reclassified DE-19, 25 January 1943; renamed Burden R. Hastings 19 February 1943; and commissioned I May 1943, Lieutenant Commander P. A. Walker, USNR, in command.

During July 1943 Burden R. Hastings made a quick voyage between California and Pearl Harbor and return. In August she returned to Pearl Harbor and then proceeded to Baker Island where she carried out patrol and escort duties. On 12 November she arrived off Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, and carried out 'pre invasion bombardluents of Japanese positions until the 20th, when landings were made. She remained in support of the occupation until 23 November and then departed for the newly established Advanced Naval Base at Funafuti, Ellice Islands. During the remainder of 1943 Burden R. Hastings escorted two convoys to Tarawa and one to Noumea, New Caledonia, and then returned to Pearl Harbor, arriving 8 January 1944.

Burden R. Hastings departed Pearl Harbor 28 January 1944 and proceeded to the Marshall Islands where she supported the occupation of Kwajalein (5-6 February). Returning to Pearl Harbor 13 February, she remained in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands until the 29th. Once

again she returned to the Marshalls and then participated in the Pala u-Yap Ulithi-Woleai raids (30 March-1 April). During the remainder of World War 11 Burden R. Hastings operated as a convoy escort, plane guard, and unit of various hunter-killer groups in the area of the Marshall, Gilbert, and western Caroline Islands.

On 15 June 1944 while operating in the vicinity of theMarshall Islands she came upon a surface contact which upon investigation proved to be a Japanese submarine. She pressed home a vigorous attack and sank the submarine RO-44 in 11'13' N., 104'15' E.

With the cessation of hostilities she continued to operate in the Central Pacific until September 1945. She departed Pearl Harbor 20 September and reported to the Cominander, llth Naval District, for inactivation 29 September. She was placed out of commission in reserve 25 October 1945 and sold 1 February 1947.

Burden R. Hastings received four battle stars for her World War II service.