USS De Wert Honors Namesake During Port Visit
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS070416-06
Release Date: 4/16/2007 8:58:00 AM
By Ensign Ashley Wyckoff, USS De Wert Public Affairs
ABOARD USS DE WERT (NNS) -- A seemingly routine port visit to Buzzards Bay, Mass. during April 2-6 gave the Sailors of USS De Wert (FFG 45) a rare opportunity to experience some of its ship’s history.
Throughout their weeklong visit, Sailors conducted tours for the Buzzards Bay community, took trips to nearby Boston, and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of their ship’s namesake.
Several De Wert officers and Sailors conducted the intimate wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Hospitalman Richard D. De Wert at the National Cemetery in nearby Bourne, Mass. De Wert was killed in action while administering first aid to an injured comrade. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and unyielding service to his country.
During the April 4th ceremony, Cmdr. Bill Campbell, commanding officer of De Wert, recounted De Wert’s selfless and heroic acts during the Korean War, followed by the laying of a wreath at his grave. Seven De Wert Sailors expressed their patriotism by serving as rifleman for a 21-gun salute, and one of the ship’s esteemed chief petty officers played taps on his trumpet. The Sailors who participated in the ceremony relished the opportunity to physically honor their ship’s heroic namesake.
“My respect for Richard De Wert and the ship grew after serving as a rifleman for the [wreath-laying] ceremony, and Cmdr. Campbell shared some great information about Mr. De Wert that I didn’t know until now,” said Seaman Recruit Matthew Wilson.
De Wert is the first ship to bear his name. De Wert will deploy later this year in support of counter-narcotic terrorism operations.
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