USS Benham (DD-397)

USS Benham (DD-397)

USS Benham (DD-397) was a Benham-class destroyer of the United States Navy. The Benham class shared the same hull and torpedo-heavy design philosophy as the Bagley class, carrying sixteen 21-inch torpedo tubes. Ten ships were built between 1938 and 1940. They served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during World War II.

Named for Rear Admiral Andrew Ellicott Kennedy Benham, a Civil War naval officer who commanded the ironclad USS Penobscot and later served as commander of the North Atlantic Squadron, USS Benham was built by Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Kearny, New Jersey and commissioned in February 1939. Lead ship of the Benham class. Sunk during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal on 15 November 1942. During the fierce night surface action, Benham was hit by a Japanese torpedo that blew off her bow forward of the bridge. The crew fought to save her, but the ship broke apart the following day while under tow. Her crew was rescued before she sank. Benham had previously served at the battles of Coral Sea and Midway.

USS Benham earned 4 battle stars for service in: Atlantic convoy escort, Coral Sea, Midway, Guadalcanal. Sunk after torpedo damage at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, 15 November 1942. 1 killed.

This collection features apparel and merchandise honoring USS Benham (DD-397) and the men who served aboard her. 1,657 tons standard displacement. 341 feet in length. Four 5"/38 caliber dual-purpose guns. Sixteen 21-inch torpedo tubes in four quadruple mounts. Top speed 38.5 knots. Crew of 184.