DD-459

The first USS Laffey was a Benson-class destroyer named for Civil War Medal of Honor recipient Bartlett Laffey.

The ship was built at Bethlehem Steel Yard, San Francisco and was launched October 30, 1941.

USS Laffey (DD-459) was commissioned March 31, 1942.

USS Laffey (DD-459)’s first captain was LCDR William E Hank of Norfolk, Virginia.

Hank was born September 5, 1902 and attended the United States Naval Academy. After graduation in 1925, he served as an Ensign on the USS Texas and then the USS New York. He was promoted to Lieutenant (j.g.) while serving on the USS Bruce in 1928. By the time the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941), Hank had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was serving as gunnery officer aboard the USS Saratoga. He also had a wife and daughter.

Hank took command of the USS Laffey (DD-459) at the ship’s commissioning on March 31, 1942.

LCDR Hank and the crew of the USS Laffey (DD-459) rescued survivors of the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV 7) when it was hit by three Japanese torpedoes on September 15, 1942.

The carrier’s squadrons were supporting the forces on Guadalcanal when her hull was struck. It set off several explosions, destroyed her water-mains and knocked out the ship’s power. As a result of the damage, she had to be abandoned and scuttled.

Casualties reported for the USS Wasp that day were 193 men had killed and 366 wounded.

Operating with U.S. cruisers and destroyers, Laffey took part in the Battle of Cape Esperance on 11-12 October 1942, helping repulse a Japanese bombardment group.

A month later, on 12-13 November, she participated in the first surface action of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. She engaged the Japanese battleships Hiei and Kirishima, then was torpedoed in the stern by the destroyer Teruzuki. USS Laffey (DD-459) was sunk when her ammunition magazines exploded.

LCDR William Hank was killed in action November 13, 1942 when the Laffey exploded and sank. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross “for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LAFFEY (DD-459), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Boldly engaging a Japanese force of two destroyers and a cruiser, Lieutenant Commander Hank, despite his extremely hazardous position in a leading group and the terrific fire of the enemy, fought his ship with devastating effect upon the opposing vessels. Directing the fire of his guns with cool and daring accuracy, he enabled the LAFFEY to sink one hostile destroyer, to damage another, and to assist in the sinking of a cruiser. By his indomitable fighting spirit, expert seamanship, and gallant devotion to duty, he contributed largely to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

He was also posthumously awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross “for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LAFFEY (DD-459), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November, 1942. On this occasion the force to which Lieutenant Commander Hank was attached engaged at close quarters and defeated a superior enemy force, inflicting heavy damage upon them and preventing the accomplishment of their intended mission. This daring and intrepid attack, brilliantly executed, led to a great victory for his country’s forces. By his indomitable fighting spirit, expert seamanship, and gallant devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Hank contributed largely to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”