>From the “Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships,” 

(1969) Vol. 4, p.285.





McANN





	Donald Roy McAnn, born 23 June 1911 in Rochester, N.Y., 

enlisted in the U.S. Navy 16 August 1932.  During the early 

months of World War II, he served on aircraft carrier 

ENTERPRISE (CV-6) as a gunner’s mate first class.  On 26 

October 1942, U.S. carrier task forces fought a numerically 

superior Japanese force in the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands.  

While suffering considerable damage, the Americans 

successfully checked the advancement of the powerful enemy 

force toward Guadalcanal.  During the fierce air battle, 

McAnn took valuable photographs from an exposed position on 

the forward port .50 caliber gun mount.  In addition, he 

rendered vital assistance to the gun crew and displayed 

outstanding courage without regard for his own safety.  

While relieving one of the gunners, he was struck by an 

exploding bomb fragment and fatally wounded.  Donald Roy 

McAnn was buried at sea.  For his unstinting bravery in the 

face of hostile action, McAnn was awarded the Navy Cross 

posthumously.





	DE-73 was laid down as McANN by Bethlehem-Hingham 

Shipyard, Hingham, Mass., 19 April 1943; assigned to Great 

Britain under lend-lease; and, upon completion 7 October 

1943, commissioned as HMS BALFOUR (K-464).  She served the 

Royal Navy during the remainder of World War II and was 

returned to the custody of the U. S. Navy 25 October 1945.  

She was sold 28 October 1946.





Transcribed by Michael Hansen

mhansen2@home.com