From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

Jack C. Robinson was born in Blue Ridge, Ga., 22 September 1922, and enlisted in the Marine Corps 12 December 1941. After basic training, he was assigned to a unit scheduled to take part in the Guadalcanal campaign, America's first amphibious operation of the war. During the bitter fighting 23 October 1942 in the Matanikau River area, Pfc. Robinson risked his life to repair damaged communications lines vital to the survival of his unit, earning the Silver Star for his gallantry. Robinson was wounded in the action, however, and died 25 October 1942.

(APD - 72: dp. 1,390; l. 306'; b. 37'; dr. 12'7"; s. 24 k.; cpl. 204; a. 1 5", 6 40mm., 6 20mm., 2 dct.; cl. Crosley)

Jack C. Robinson (APD-72) was [laid down 10 November 1943,] launched by Dravo Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa., 8 January 1944 as DE-671; sponsored by Mrs. Clem F. Robinson, mother of Pfc. Robinson; [the contract was reallocated 13 June 1944 to Consolidated Steel Corp., Ltd., Orange, Tex.; she was] reclassified APD-72 on 27 June 1944; converted to a high-speed transport, and commissioned 2 February 1945, at Orange, Tex., Lt. Comdr. W. W. Bowie in command.

After shakedown in the Caribbean, Jack C. Robinson departed Norfolk 31 March to join the Pacific Fleet, arriving San Diego 14 April 1945. Ten days later, she arrived Pearl Harbor to begin a month of intensive training. Arriving Ulithi 21 May, the ship took up duty as an escort vessel for the massive supply convoys between staging bases and the forward areas. In June, she moved to Okinawa for antisubmarine patrol offshore, departing 17 July to take up similar duty in the Philippines.

After the end of the Pacific War, Jack C. Robinson engaged in convoy duties supporting the Allied occupation of Japan and her former empire before returning via the Panama Canal to Norfolk early in 1946. After exercises in the Caribbean, the ship returned to Brooklyn 24 May 1946 for extensive repairs. She was towed to Green Cove Springs, Fla., arriving 30 October 1946, and decommissioned 13 December. Jack C. Robinson entered the Reserve Fleet at Orange, Tex. Jack C. Robinson was struck from the Navy List 1 December 1966 and sold to Chile under the Military Assistance Program.

Jack C. Robinson received one battle star for World War II service.

[Transcriber's note: Jack C. Robinson was transferred to Chile on 15 November 1966 and struck from the Navy List on 1 December 1966. Commissioned into the Chilean Navy as Orella (APD-27), she was modernized into a destroyer escort in 1971 or 1972 and deleted in 1984.

K. Jack Bauer and Stephen S. Roberts, "Register of Ships of the U. S. Navy, 1775-1990," p. 231/232.

"Conway’s All The World’s Fighting Ships, 1947-1995," p.52.

"Jane’s Fighting Ships, 1972-73," p.61.]

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.com)