USS Enterprise CV-6
The Most Decorated Ship of the Second World War

History: Prewar - 1941 - 1942 - 1943 - 1944 - 1945 - Postwar
The Ship - All Hands - Decorations - Remembrance

Ships Named for Enterprise Men and Officers

To date, we know of 43^[1] ships named to honor crewmen, aviators and officers who served with honor in Enterprise CV-6. These ships are listed below, along with links to their complete entries in the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS), which has been made available online by Andrew C. Toppan and the team at Haze Gray & Underway.

I'm indebted to Bill Vickrey for his help in compiling this list, in particular those ships named after participants in the Battle of Midway (4-6 June 1942).

The List Continues to Grow: Note the addition of Pinckney DDG-91, launched 29 June 2002.

[1] This list includes only commissioned vessels. Several vessels - including Delbert W. Halsey DE-310, Ely DE-309 and John J. Van Buren DE-753 - were cancelled before commissioning, and are not listed. Also, USS Spruance DD-963, named for Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, whose flagship at Midway was Enterprise CV-6, is not included in this list.

USS Acree DE-167 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: May 9, 1943
Commissioned: July 19, 1943
Decommissioned: April 1, 1946
Named for LT(jg) John W. Acree, who died while leading a damage control party in Enterprise, during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, October 26, 1942.  [ Top]

USS Acree DE-167 in her wartime configuration, named for LT(jg) John W. Acree, killed in action at the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, October 26, 1942.

USS Brock APD-93 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: January 20, 1944, as DE-234
Commissioned: February 9, 1945, as APD-93
Decommissioned: May 5, 1946
Named for ENS John W. Brock of Torpedo Squadron Six: killed in action during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942.  [ Top]

USS Collett DD-730 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: March 5, 1944
Commissioned: May 16, 1944
Decommissioned: December 18, 1970
Named for LCDR John A. Collett, commanding officer of Torpedo Squadron Ten, killed in action during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, October 26, 1942.  [ Top]

USS Dennis DE-405 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: December 4, 1943
Commissioned: March 20, 1944
Decommissioned: March 31, 1946
Named for Otis L. Dennis RM 3/c, a Scouting Six radioman, killed in action during the February 1, 1942 Marshall Islands Raid. Dennis was cited posthumously for his conduct as the aerial gunner in the plane piloted by LT(jg) Carleton Fogg during the raid.  [ Top]

USS Doherty DE-14 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: August 29, 1942
Commissioned: February 6, 1943
Decommissioned: December 14, 1945
Named for ENS John Doherty, a pilot in Bombing Squadron Six, killed in action during the February 1, 1942 Marshall Islands Raid. He received posthumously a special letter of commendation from the Secretary of the Navy for his devotion to duty and disregard of his own safety in accomplishing his mission in addition to the Distinguished Flying Cross.  [ Top]

USS Donnell DE-56 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: March 13, 1943
Commissioned: June 26, 1943
Decommissioned: October 23, 1945
Named for ENS Earl R. Donnell, a Scouting Six pilot, killed in action during the February 1, 1942 Marshall Islands Raid. For his courage in pressing home his attack in the face of enemy fighter opposition and heavy anti-aircraft fire, he was posthumously awarded the Air Medal.  [ Top]

USS Doyle C. Barnes DE-353 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: March 4, 1944
Commissioned: July 13, 1944
Decommissioned: January 15, 1947
Named for ENS Doyle C. Barnes, a pilot in Fighting Six. Barnes received a Navy Cross for downing two enemy torpedo planes on June 4, 1942 while defending Yorktown CV-5 at the Battle of Midway. In August of that year, he was killed in action by a "friendly" 5" anti-aircraft shell during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, as he led an attack on enemy dive bombers poised to strike Enterprise.  [ Top]

USS Eversole DE-404 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: December 3, 1943
Commissioned: March 21, 1944
Sunk October 28, 1944, off Leyte Gulf.
Named for LT(jg) John T. Eversole of Torpedo Squadron Six, killed in action during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. He was recognized posthumously with the award of the Navy Cross.  [ Top]

USS Eversole DE-404, named for LT(jg) John T. Eversole, killed in action at the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942.

USS Fogg DE-57 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: March 20, 1943
Commissioned: July 7, 1943
Decommissioned: October 27, 1947
Named for LT(jg) Carleton T. Fogg, a Scouting Six pilot, killed in action during the February 1, 1942 Marshall Islands Raid. Fogg was awarded the Air Medal posthumously for his gallant conduct in the face of heavy enemy opposition.  [ Top]

USS Eugene A. Green DD-711 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: March 18, 1946
Commissioned: June 8, 1946
Decommissioned: August 31, 1972
Named for ENS Eugene A. Green of Bombing Squadron Six, lost at the Battle of Midway June 4, 1942, when his plane failed to return from an attack on the Japanese force. He was recognized posthumously with the award of the Navy Cross.  [ Top]

USS Hilbert DE-742 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: July 18, 1943
Commissioned: February 4, 1944
Decommissioned: June 19, 1946
Named for Ernest L. Hilbert AOM 3/c, rear seat gunner in Bombing Squadron Six. On the morning of June 4, 1942, during the Battle of Midway, Hilbert enabled his pilot to escape devastating fighter attacks by skillful and continuous fire from his free machine guns. While pursuing the same bold tactics in an attack against the Japanese carrier Hiryu later that day, Hilbert and his pilot, LT(jg) Frederick T. Weber, were shot down. Hilbert was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, posthumously.  [ Top]

USS Hodges DE-231 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: December 9, 1943
Commissioned: May 27, 1944
Decommissioned: June 22, 1946
Named for ENS Flourney G. Hodges, a Torpedo Six pilot, killed in action during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Hodges was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and promoted to Lieutenant (j.g.).  [ Top]

USS Holder DE-401 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: November 27, 1943
Commissioned: January 18, 1944
Decommissioned: September 13, 1944
Named for LT(jg) Randolph M. Holder, a Torpedo Six pilot, killed in action during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Holder was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.  [ Top]

USS Holder DD-819 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: August 25, 1945
Commissioned: May 18, 1946
Stricken: October 1, 1976
Named for LT(jg) Randolph M. Holder, a Torpedo Six pilot, killed in action during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Holder was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.  [ Top]

USS Holt DE-706 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: February 15, 1944
Commissioned: June 9, 1944
Decommissioned: July 2, 1946
Named for LT(jg) William M. Holt, a Fighting Six pilot. Holt served in Enterprise Air Group through the first seven months of war, including Midway. Later transferred to the VF-5 detachment deployed on Saratoga CV-3, Holt was killed in action while defending against an enemy air attack during the Marine landings on Guadalcanal, August 7, 1942. Holt was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.  [ Top]

USS Hopping DE-155 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: March 10, 1943
Commissioned: May 21, 1943
Decommissioned: May 5, 1947
Named for LCDR Halstead L. Hopping, commanding officer of Scouting Six, killed in action during the February 1, 1942 Marshall Islands Raid. LCDR Hopping was the first U.S. Navy aircraft squadron commander to lose his life in World War II.  [ Top]

USS Jaccard DE-355 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: March 18, 1944
Commissioned: July 26, 1944
Decommissioned: September 30, 1946
Named for ENS Richard A. Jaccard, a Scouting Six pilot. Jaccard, who joined Enterprise Air Group in April 1942, flew in both the morning and afternoon strikes against the Japanese carrier force at Midway, June 4, 1942, scoring a definite hit on carrier Hiryu. For his performance in this battle, Jacard was awarded the Navy Cross. Jaccard was killed when Wasp CV-7 was torpedoed and sunk, September 15, 1942.  [ Top]

USS Lindsey DM-32 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: May 5, 1944, as DD-771
Commissioned: August 20, 1944, as DM-32
Decommissioned: May 26, 1946
Named for LCDR Eugene E. Lindsey, commanding officer of Torpedo Squadron Six. Lindsey, who flew despite injuries sustained in a landing accident shortly beforehand, was killed in action while leading Torpedo Six's attack on the Japanese carrier force at the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Lindsey was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously.  [ Top]

USS Lough DE-586 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: January 22, 1944
Commissioned: May 2, 1944
Decommissioned: June 24, 1946
Named for ENS John C. Lough, a Scouting Squadron Six pilot, lost at the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942, when his plane failed to return from an attack on the Japanese force. Lough was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.  [ Top]

USS McAnn DE-179 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: September 5, 1943
Commissioned: October 11, 1943
Decommissioned: August 15, 1944
Named for GM 1/c Donald R. McAnn, killed in action during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, October 26, 1942. During the fierce air battle, McAnn took valuable photographs from an exposed position on the forward port .50 caliber gun mount. While relieving one of the gunners, he was struck by an exploding bomb fragment and fatally wounded. For his unstinting bravery in the face of hostile action, McAnn was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously.  [ Top]

USS McClusky FFG-41 (No DANFS Entry)
Launched: September 18, 1982
Commissioned: December 10, 1984
Active in the Pacific Fleet
Named for then-LCDR Clarence Wade McClusky, Enterprise Air Group Commander at the Battle of Midway, June 4-6, 1942. One June 4, with many planes in his attack group low on fuel and the enemy fleet nowhere in sight, McClusky made the critical decision to fly the reverse of the expected enemy course. This decision led directly to the discovery of the Japanese carrier force, and the subsequent destruction of two carriers by McClusky's group. For his performance at Midway, McClusky (who retired as RADM) was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.  [ Top]

USS Menges DE-320 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: June 15, 1943
Commissioned: October 26, 1943
Decommissioned: January, 1947
Named for ENS Herbert H. Menges, killed by friendly fire in Pearl Harbor the evening of December 7, 1941. Menges was the first US Navy fighter pilot to die in the Pacific War. While approaching Hickam Field after dark, with five other VF-6 aircraft, Menges' plane was brought under "friendly" fire by ships in the harbor as well as land-based anti-aircraft batteries. With Menges dead or incapacitated, his plane plunged towards Pearl City, crashing into the veranda of a house at water's edge. Two other VF-6 pilots, LT(jg) Francis Hebel and LT(jg) Eric Allen were mortally wounded during the incident.  [ Top]

USS William C. Miller DE-259, named for the eponymous Scouting Six radioman, killed in action at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.

USS William C. Miller DE-259 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: February 22, 1943
Commissioned: July 2, 1943
Decommissioned: December 17, 1945
Named for RM 1/c William C. Miller, a Scouting Six radioman, killed in action December 7, 1941, when planes from Enterprise CV-6 encountered Japanese attackers over Pearl Harbor. For his devotion to duty, despite wounds received in aerial battle, Miller was awarded a posthumous commendation by the Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet.  [ Top]

USS O'Flaherty DE-340 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: December 14, 1943
Commissioned: April 8, 1944
Decommissioned: January 1947
Named for ENS Frank W. O'Flaherty, a Scouting Six pilot, killed in action during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. After his plane was damaged during the attack on the Japanese force, O'Flaherty and his rear seat gunner, Bruno P. Gaido AMM 1/c, ditched, and were picked up by the Japanese destroyer Makigumo. Both men were interrogated and then executed by drowning. O'Flaherty was awarded a Navy Cross posthumously.  [ Top]

USS Peiffer DE-588 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: January 26, 1944
Commissioned: June 15, 1944
Decommissioned: June 1, 1946
Named for ENS Carl D. Peiffer, a Scouting Six pilot, lost at the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942, when his plane failed to return from an attack on the Japanese force. Peiffer was awarded a Navy Cross posthumously.  [ Top]

USS Pinckney DDG-91 (US Navy Info)
Launched: June 29, 2002
Commissioned: May 29, 2004
Named for William Pinckney Ck 2/c, recipient of the Navy Cross for heroic action during the Battle of Santa Cruz, 26 October 1942. Despite suffocating smoke, flames, and gasoline fumes, Pinckney rescued the only other survivor of a bomb blast which wrecked the ammunition handling room where six men including Pinckney had been stationed.  [ Top]

USS Presley DE-371 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: August 19, 1944
Commissioned: November 7, 1944
Decommissioned: June 20, 1946
Named for AMM 1/c Sam D. Presley, killed in action during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, October 26, 1942. As Enterprise came under sustained enemy air attack, AMM 1/c Presley voluntarily abandoned the shelter of his normal battle station and climbed into a plane parked on the flight deck. Manning the flexible guns in the rear cockpit, he commenced fire against the attacking aircraft. As the battle continued, a bomb explosion blew the plane overboard. He received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism.  [ Top]

USS Beverly W. Reid APD-119 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: March 4, 1944
Commissioned: June 25, 1945
Decommissioned: May 5, 1947
Named for ENS Beverly W. Reid, a Fighting Six pilot. At Midway, June 4, 1942, then-MACH Reid was credited with downing two Japanese torpedo planes attacking Yorktown CV-5, and awarded a Navy Cross for his performance. ENS Reid was killed in action at the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, August 24, 1942, defending Enterprise against enemy air attack.  [ Top]

USS Rich DE-695 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: June 22, 1943
Commissioned: October 1, 1943
Sunk June 8, 1944, off Normandy, France.
Named for LT(jg) Ralph M. Rich, a Fighting Six pilot. Assigned to Enterprise Air Group in November 1940, Rich served with the squadron through the first seven months of the war, including the Battle of Midway, June 4-6, 1942. One June 4, Rich was credited with downing an enemy torpedo plane attacking Yorktown CV-5. Rich was killed in an airplane crash just two weeks later, and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his performance at Midway.  [ Top]

USS Riley DE-579 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: December 29, 1943
Commissioned: March 13, 1944
Decommissioned: January 15, 1947
Named for LT Paul J. Riley, a Torpedo Squadron Six pilot, killed in action during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Riley was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.  [ Top]

USS John Q. Roberts APD-94 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: February 11, 1944 as DE-235
Commissioned: March 8, 1945 as APD-94
Decommissioned: May 30, 1946
Named for ENS John Q. Roberts, a Scouting Six pilot, lost at the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942, when his plane failed to return from an attack on the Japanese force. Roberts was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.  [ Top]

USS Shelton DD-790, named for ENS James A. Shelton, killed in action at the Battle of Midway, June 4-6, 1942.

USS Shelton DE-407 (No DANFS Entry)
Launched: December 18, 1943
Commissioned: April 4, 1944
Sunk off Morotai, October 3, 1944.
Named for ENS James A. Shelton, a Scouting Six pilot, lost at the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942, when his plane failed to return from an attack on the Japanese force. Shelton was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.  [ Top]

USS Shelton DD-790 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: March 8, 1946
Commissioned: June 21, 1946
Stricken: March 31, 1973
Named for ENS James A. Shelton, a Scouting Six pilot, lost at the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942, when his plane failed to return from an attack on the Japanese force. Shelton was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.  [ Top]

USS Swearer DE-186 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: October 31, 1943
Commissioned: November 24, 1943
Decommissioned: August 27, 1947
Named for LT Walter J. Swearer, killed in action during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, October 26, 1942.  [ Top]

USS Lloyd Thomas DD-764 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: October 5, 1945
Commissioned: March 21, 1947
Decommissioned: October 12, 1973
Named for LT(jg) Lloyd Thomas, a Torpedo Six pilot, killed in action during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Thomas was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously.  [ Top]

USS Vammen DE-644 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: May 21, 1944
Commissioned: July 27, 1944
Decommissioned: August 1, 1962
Named for ENS Clarence E. Vammen, a Scouting Six pilot, killed in action during the Battle of Midway, June 6, 1942, during the attack on the Japanese cruisers Mikuma and Mogami. Vammen was posthumously awarded the Distinguishing Flying Cross.  [ Top]

USS Vandivier DE-540 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: December 27, 1943
Commissioned: October 11, 1955
Decommissioned: June 30, 1960
Named for LT(jg) Norman F. Vandivier, a Bombing Six pilot, lost at the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942, when his plane failed to return from an attack on the Japanese force. Vandivier was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and promoted to Lieutenant (j.g.) retroactive to April 15, 1942.  [ Top]

USS Varian DE-798 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: November 6, 1943
Commissioned: February 29, 1944
Decommissioned: March 15, 1946
Named for ENS Bertram S. Varian Jr., a Bombing Six pilot, lost at the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942, when his plane failed to return from the morning attack on the Japanese carrier force. Varian was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.  [ Top]

USS Charles R. Ware DD-865 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: April 12, 1945
Commissioned: July 21, 1945
Stricken: July 1, 1974
Named for LT Charles R. Ware, a Scouting Six pilot, lost at the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942, when his plane failed to return from the morning attack on the Japanese carrier force. Ware was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his performance in the face of formidable anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition at Midway.  [ Top]

USS Weber DE-675 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: May 1, 1943
Commissioned: June 30, 1943
Decommissioned: January 1947
Named for LT(jg) Frederick T. Weber, a Bombing Six pilot, lost at the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942, when his plane was shot down by enemy fighters during the afternoon attack on the Japanese carrier Hiryu. Weber was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and promoted to Lieutenant (j.g.) retroactively.  [ Top]

USS Wileman DE-22 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: December 19, 1942
Commissioned: June 11, 1943
Decommissioned: November 16, 1945
Named for ENS William W. Wileman, a Fighting Six pilot. Wileman served in Enterprise Air Group from May to August 1942, including the Battle of Midway, June 4-6, 1942. Later transferred to VF-5, Holt was killed in action on September 13, 1942, while defending Henderson Field, on Guadalcanal, against enemy air attack.  [ Top]

USS Wyffels DE-6, named for Carpenter Lawrence E. Wyffels, killed in action at Santa Cruz, October 26, 1942.

USS Willis DE-395 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: September 14, 1943
Commissioned: December 10, 1943
Decommissioned: June 14, 1946
Named for ENS Walter M. Willis, a Scouting Six pilot. The plane manned by Willis and his gunner, Fred J. Ducolon, COX, disappeared the morning of 7 December 1941 near Pearl Harbor, and was probably shot down by enemy planes attacking the base. Neither Willis, Ducolon nor their SBD Dauntless were ever found.  [ Top]

USS Wyffels DE-6 (DANFS Entry)
Launched: December 7, 1942
Commissioned: April 21, 1943
Decommissioned: September 25, 1945
Named for Warrant Carpenter Lawrence Edward Wyffels, killed in action during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, October 26, 1942. Wyffels earned a Silver Star for his actions during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, 24 August 1942. During that battle, Wyffels courageously fought a blaze ignited by bombs and repeatedly entered burning compartments to rescue the wounded trapped inside. He was awarded the Silver Star less than two weeks before his death at Santa Cruz.  [ Top]