USS Wilson (DD-408)

USS Wilson (DD-408)

USS Wilson (DD-408) was a Sims-class destroyer of the United States Navy. The Sims class was the last pre-war destroyer class completed before the Fletcher class transformed the U.S. Navy's destroyer force. Displacing 1,764 tons, the Sims class carried five 5-inch guns and eight torpedo tubes. Twelve were built, and they served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

Named for Captain Henry B. Wilson, who commanded the U.S. Naval Forces in France during World War I and later served as Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, USS Wilson was built by Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington and commissioned in July 1939. Present at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. Served as a screening destroyer during the battles of the Coral Sea, Midway, and the entire Guadalcanal campaign. At the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, Wilson helped screen the carriers Enterprise and Saratoga. Fought in both the Central and Southwest Pacific campaigns.

USS Wilson earned 10 battle stars for service in: Pearl Harbor, Coral Sea, Midway, Guadalcanal, Eastern Solomons, Santa Cruz Islands, New Guinea, Marianas, Philippines, Okinawa. Decommissioned October 1945. Sold for scrap November 1946.

This collection features apparel and merchandise honoring USS Wilson (DD-408) and the men who served aboard her. 1,764 tons standard displacement. 348 feet in length. Five 5"/38 caliber dual-purpose guns. Eight 21-inch torpedo tubes in two quadruple mounts. Top speed 37 knots. Crew of 192.