USS Parle DE-708
The USS Parle (DE-708) was a Rudderow-class destroyer escort built during World War II. Her keel was laid down on January 8, 1944, at the Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City, Michigan. She was launched on March 25, 1944, and officially joined the U.S. Navy on July 29, 1944. The Navy needed ships like the Parle to quickly expand its fleet for the war, and she was designed to excel in escort and anti-submarine warfare.
Named after Ensign John Joseph Parle, the ship honors a brave naval officer who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroism during the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. Despite being gravely wounded, Ensign Parle ensured the success of a critical mission. His courage and sacrifice are remembered through the USS Parle, a tribute to his valor and dedication.
The USS Parle was packed with features for anti-submarine warfare. She had three 3-inch/50 caliber guns, two twin 40 mm anti-aircraft guns, and ten 20 mm anti-aircraft guns. Her arsenal also included depth charge projectors and hedgehog anti-submarine mortars, essential for hunting enemy submarines. With advanced radar and sonar systems, she was well-equipped to protect convoys and tackle threats.
The Parle's legacy in the Navy is significant. She played a vital role in World War II and post-war operations, escorting convoys across the Atlantic and supporting the invasion of Okinawa. Her service highlighted the importance of destroyer escorts in maintaining naval dominance and securing sea routes. The ship and her crew's bravery are part of the Navy's rich history during the war.
As a Rudderow-class destroyer escort, the Parle was versatile and efficient. This class improved on earlier designs with better speed, maneuverability, and firepower. These ships were built for various tasks, like convoy escort, anti-submarine warfare, and coastal patrol. The Rudderow-class was a valuable asset, especially during the extensive maritime operations of World War II.
When the USS Parle was commissioned, it marked the start of her active service. She went through shakedown cruises and training to prepare her crew for combat. The commissioning ceremony was a big deal, showing the ship and crew were ready for the war effort. The Parle's deployments to different theaters proved her design's effectiveness and her crew's dedication, securing her place in naval history.
USS Parle DE-708: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Parle (DE-708) was a Rudderow-class destroyer escort, a class celebrated for its robust and versatile design during World War II. At 306 feet long with a beam of 36.75 feet and a draft of 11.75 feet, it was compact yet formidable. Built with a steel hull, it was durable and resilient in various maritime conditions. The ship's superstructure was designed for optimal visibility, featuring a raised bridge and multiple observation points. This layout made it easy for the crew to move around and perform their duties, whether escorting convoys or hunting submarines.
The USS Parle was packed with cutting-edge technology for its time. It was powered by two General Electric turbo-electric drive engines, delivering a combined 12,000 shaft horsepower. This setup allowed the ship to reach speeds of up to 24 knots, making it agile in combat. The ship also boasted advanced radar and sonar systems, including the SL surface search radar and the QHB sonar, crucial for spotting enemy submarines and surface ships. These technologies made the USS Parle highly efficient and effective in its escort and patrol duties.
When it came to armament, the USS Parle was ready for anything. Its primary weapons were two 5-inch/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, capable of taking on both surface and aerial targets. These were backed by anti-aircraft weapons, including four 40mm Bofors guns and ten 20mm Oerlikon cannons, providing strong defense against enemy aircraft during convoy missions. The ship was also equipped with depth charge projectors and racks, plus a Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar, making it a formidable force in anti-submarine warfare.
The USS Parle's weaponry was further bolstered by its torpedo armament. It carried three 21-inch torpedo tubes for launching Mark 15 torpedoes, designed to target enemy surface ships. This combination of guns, anti-aircraft weapons, depth charges, and torpedoes made the USS Parle a versatile and formidable opponent in various combat scenarios. Its comprehensive armament and advanced technology highlighted its critical role in the US Navy's World War II efforts, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities essential for its missions.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Parle (DE-708) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members, as evidenced by the memories shared in its guestbook. These recollections span decades, from the ship's early days in World War II to its later years as a reserve training vessel.
Dennis Kotarba, who served aboard the Parle in 1967 as a Radioman Third Class (RM3), fondly recalls his time on the ship. Starting as a Seaman (SN) on the deck force as a Reserve Sailor, he worked his way up to RM3 and eventually retired in 1990. For Kotarba, the Parle remains his best memory from his naval career.
Russell Morrill, a Machinist's Mate Third Class (MM3) in 1964, remembers the Parle as his first ship out of boot camp. He recalls the homeport in Providence, Rhode Island, and other locations such as Newport, Rhode Island, and Chicago, Illinois, before transferring to the USS Boston (DD-705).
Steven Puksich, who served in 1966 as an MM3, is on a quest to reconnect with his shipmates who worked with him in the engine room, affectionately referred to as "the hole." He specifically remembers a shipmate named Jim and is seeking help to find others.
Francis Schmuck, a Radioman Second Class (RM2) in 1943, is not online but is in great health and recently turned 90. His son, Bradd, is the point of contact for anyone wishing to reach out to Francis.
Erwin Basinski served as an Ensign (ENS) and later a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) in 1953. He recalls serving under Captains John C. Hill and John T. Law, and working alongside shipmates like Chet Bacigalupo, Robert McCooey, and Dudley Mills.
Daniel Bulicek, a Ship's Serviceman Second Class (SH2) in 1968, was responsible for the ship's store records and served as the Duty Storekeeper in conjunction with the shore establishment at the Naval Reserve Center in Chicago. He also stood security watch.
Reginald McCloud, a Seaman (SN) in 1970, shares a unique memory of reporting to the Parle for a two-week cruise right after completing basic training. However, the ship was stuck in three feet of ice, making any cruising impossible.
Jack Patton, who served as a First Class in 1943, is now living in Jasper, Indiana, and will be 96 in November. He still enjoys an independent life and loves fishing. His great-niece is the contact for anyone wishing to write to him.
Eugene Peterson's granddaughter is seeking stories and nicknames from anyone who served with her grandfather, who was a Radioman Third Class (RM3C SV6) from July 1944 to October 1945.
David Widman, a Fireman (FN) in 1961, recalls his two-year active reserve duty on the Parle, stationed in Providence, Rhode Island. He spent most of his time running the evaporators in the aft boiler room and proudly notes that they never had water rationing.
These memories collectively paint a vivid picture of life aboard the USS Parle, highlighting the camaraderie, challenges, and unique experiences that defined the service of its crew members.
USS Parle DE-708: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Parle (DE-708) was a remarkable ship that saw many upgrades throughout its service, keeping it a key player in the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1944, it was initially outfitted with cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tech, like depth charge projectors and hedgehog mortars. As naval tech advanced, the Parle got regular updates to its radar and sonar systems, boosting its ability to detect and track threats. These upgrades were vital, especially during the Cold War, when submarine threats were a big deal.
Originally, the USS Parle was built as a destroyer escort, meant to shield convoys and larger ships from enemy subs and aircraft. Its strong ASW setup, along with its speed and agility, made it perfect for these tasks. Over time, its role grew to include search and rescue, coastal patrols, and even joint exercises with allies. The Parle's versatility showed off its solid design and the ongoing improvements it received, helping it meet the changing needs of naval warfare.
The USS Parle made significant contributions to the fleet. During World War II, it was crucial in protecting Atlantic convoys from German U-boats, ensuring troops and supplies got through safely. Its role in the Pacific Theater was just as important, providing support during amphibious assaults and other operations. After the war, the Parle continued to shine, taking part in many NATO exercises and showing the U.S.'s commitment to collective security. Its readiness and reliability made it a valuable asset in both peace and conflict.
Beyond its operational achievements, the USS Parle left a lasting legacy. It served as a training ground for countless sailors, passing on vital skills and knowledge to new naval generations. Its rich history and the bravery of its crew are celebrated in naval traditions and ceremonies, keeping the spirit of the Parle alive. The ship's impact on naval strategy, training, and international cooperation underscores its important role in shaping today's U.S. Navy.
USS Parle DE-708: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Parle (DE-708) was a Rudderow-class destroyer escort that made a real impact during its time in service. Commissioned in 1944, it was a key player in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The Parle's main job was to escort larger ships and protect them from submarines, making sure troops and supplies got where they needed to go. It sailed to important places like the Philippines, Okinawa, and the South China Sea, keeping Allied operations safe from Japanese threats.
In World War II, the Parle was right in the thick of things, taking part in major battles like Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. It was all about spotting enemy submarines and shooting down aircraft. The crew showed incredible bravery, especially when facing those intense kamikaze attacks. The Parle's skills in anti-submarine warfare and its knack for protecting bigger ships made it a vital part of the Navy's strategy.
The Parle's hard work didn't go unnoticed. It earned several awards for its service in World War II, including the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three battle stars. This recognized its role in key operations. The ship also received the World War II Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal, highlighting its part in freeing the Philippines from Japanese control. These honors were a nod to the ship's top-notch performance and the dedication of its crew.
After the war, the USS Parle kept busy with training and reserve duties until it was decommissioned in 1960. But its legacy lives on. The Parle's story is a powerful reminder of how important destroyer escorts were in naval operations during tough times. Its missions, battles, and the honors it received show just how much it contributed to the Navy and its lasting place in naval history.
USS Parle DE-708 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Rudderow Class Destroyer Escort |
| Commissioned | July 29, 1944 |
| Displacement | 1,810 tons |
| Length | 306 feet |
| Beam | 37 feet |
| Draft | 13.5 feet |
| Speed | 24 knots |
| Complement | 12 Officers 192 Enlisted |