USS Shaw

The USS Shaw (DD-373) was a Mahan-class destroyer in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1936. She is most famous for her dramatic experience during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Moored in Dry Dock No. 1 at Pearl Harbor, the Shaw was struck by three bombs from Japanese aircraft early in the attack. The resulting fires quickly spread and proved uncontrollable. In danger of exploding, the dry dock was flooded to try and quell the flames. However, the Shaw was already heavily damaged and, in a spectacular explosion, her forward magazines detonated, severing the ship’s bow.

Despite the catastrophic damage, the Shaw was salvaged. The remnants of the ship were patched, and she sailed under her own power to Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California for extensive repairs and rebuilding. The repairs included a new bow.

Following her repairs, the Shaw returned to active service in 1942 and participated in numerous operations in the Pacific Theater throughout World War II. She served in escort duty, provided fire support for amphibious landings, and participated in anti-submarine warfare. Her deployments included areas around New Guinea, Guadalcanal, and the Aleutian Islands.

The Shaw earned eleven battle stars for her service during World War II. She was decommissioned in October 1945 and subsequently sold for scrap in 1946. Her story remains a testament to American resilience and the ability to recover from seemingly insurmountable setbacks.