Gross DE-448

Cross

Frederick Cushing Cross, Jr., born 8 July 1917 in Lunenburg, Mass., enlisted in the Naval Reserve 22 March 1941, and after aviation training WAS ordered to a bombing squadron at DeLand, Fla. Lieutenant (junior grade) Cross was killed in action 7 August 1943 during an engagement with an enemy submarine. Although he was mortally wounded and his plane had a shattered starboard engine, he continued to attack the submarine, then made a perfect water landing, thus saving the lives of his co pilot and radio operator. For his outstanding courage and indomitable fighting spirit, Lieutenant (junior grade) Cross was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

(DE-448: dp. 1,360; 1. 306'; b. 36'8"; dr. 9'6"; s. 24 k.;
cpl. 186; a. 2 6", 8 dcp., 1 dcp.(hh.), 2 act.; cl.
John C. Butler)

Cross (DE-448) was launched 4 July 1944 by Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Kearny, N.J.; sponsored by Mrs. D. F. Cross, mother of the late Lieutenant (junior grade) Cross, USNR; and commissioned 8 January 1945, Lieutenant H. L. Minshall, Jr., USNR, in command.

Departing New York 22 March 1945, Cross called at San Diego before arriving at Pearl Harbor for additional training. She sailed on 8 May escorting a convoy for Ulithi, and from 29 May to 11 September Cross continued to escort vital supply-laden convoys from Ulithi to Okinawa. After repairs at Okinawa, she called at San Diego and Boston, then put in to Green Cove Springs, Fla., where she was placed out of commission in reserve 14 June 1946.

Recommissioned 6 June 1961, Gross was assigned to the 1st Naval District to serve as a training ship for New England Naval Reservists. She remained in this employment until placed in reserve again 2 January 1958.

Cross was awarded one battle star for World War II service.