Fletcher

The outbreak of World War II led to the abolition of restrictions on the construction of new ships, and the U.S. Navy set out to design destroyers with increased displacement, which allowed for strengthening the AA and ASW defenses. Immediately after entering service, USS Fletcher joined patrol operations at Guadalcanal. The destroyer participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Battle of Tassafaronga. Later, the ship escorted convoys and covered landing operations, including landings in the Philippines, Bataan, and Corregidor. During World War II, the ship was awarded 15 battle stars.