Waldron (DD 699) - Naval Cruise Book

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On the eighth of June, 1944, the first ship to bear the name of Lieutenant Commander John Charles Waldron, was commissioned at the Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company , Kearney, New Jersey. Lieutenant Commander Waldron was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for valiantly distinguishing himself as Squadron Leader of the ill-fated Torpedo Squadron Eight during the Air Battle of Midway on the fourth of June 1942. After abrief shakedown cruise to Bermuda, the Waldron steamed to the other side of the world, joined the now historical Task Forces 38-58, and started earning the four battle stars that she so proudly wears. She participated in strikes against Formosa, Iwo J aima, and Okinawa, operating as anti-aircraft support vessel for our downed airmen, and causing the sinking of an enemy patrol vessel. WhenJapanlaid down her arms, the Waldron was right there in Tokyo Bay , where she stayed for a brief period of occupation duty. She returned in January 946 f r a long and well earned rest after which she was selected to train of 1 o - , reservists. With New Orleans as home port, the Waldron trained 2800 men during 23 two week cruises., Onthe sixth of September, 1949, s egome , til she duty, made good-will calls to many European and Mediterranean ports un was released on the 7th of February 1950, when she was readied for the ' t enth mothball fleet . The commissioning pennant was hauled down May seven e , h ' ' dthe Sixth Fleet served occupation 1950. But war clouds gathered again, and on November 20, 1950, the Waldron was ' ti again ready for active duty. Since then she has participated in intensive an submarine maneuvers, Midshipmen training cruises, and as a good-will am bassador to European and Mediterranean countries. i no .1