USS PRESLEY
From the “Dictionary of American Naval Fighting
Ships,”
(1970) Vol. 5, pp.375-376.
_________________________
Sam Davis Presley, born at Carthage, Miss., 17
December 1918, enlisted in the Navy 7 November 1939. On
30 September 1942, he became Aviation Machinist’s
Mate First Class. He received the Navy Cross for extraordinary
heroism during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands,
26 October 1942. As his ship, aircraft carrier ENTERPRISE
(CV-6), came under sustained enemy air attack,
Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Presley voluntarily
abandoned
the shelter of his normal battle station. Climbing
into a plane parked on the flight deck, he manned the flexible
guns in
the rear cockpit and commenced an effective fire
against the attacking aircraft. As the battle continued, a bomb
explosion blew the plane overboard. AM1 Presley
was listed as “missing in action,” and presumed dead
27 October
1943.
DE-371
Displacement: 1,745 t. (full load)
Length: 306’0”Beam: 36’7”
Draft: 13’4”Speed: 24 k.
Complement: 22
Armament: 2 5”; 6 40mm; 3 21”
torpedo tubes;8 depth charge projectors;
2 depth charge tracks;
1 hedge hog
Class: JOHN C. BUTLER
Commissioning Ceremony at Orange TX
7 November 1944
