Baldwin DD- 624

Baldwin

(DD - 624: dp. 1630; 1. 348'3", b. 36'1"- dr. 17'6"; s. 35
k.; cult 276; a. 4 5", 10 21" TT.; cl. Gleaves)

Baldwin (DD-624) was launched 14 June 1942 by Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co., Seattle, Wash., sponsored by Mrs. Ida E Crawford, daughter of Acting Master's Mate Baldwin; commissioned 30 April 1943, Lieutenant Commander G. Knuepfer in command; and reported to the Atlantic Fleet.

Between 13 August 1943 and 25 January 1944 Baldwin made three trans Atlantic convoy escort crossings to Casablanca, French Morocco. She also acted as a fire support, patrol, and escort vessel during the invasions of Normandy (5 June-15 July 1944) and southern France (13 August-25 September). She sustained slight damage from two small caliber shells off Normandy 6 June. Between 21 January and 27 February 1945 Baldwin escorted Quincy (CA-71) carrying President Roosevelt to the Yalta Conference.

Upon her return to the United States Baldwin carried out patrol and plane guard duties off the east coast until July 1945, when she departed for the Pacific. Between August 1945 and January 1946 she acted as flagship for the minesweeping operations off the Korea and China coasts.

Returning to the east coast in January 1946, Baldwin served with the Atlantic Fleet until placed out of commission in reserve at Charleston, S. C., 20 June 1946.

Baldwin received three battle stars for her World War II service.