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Photo # NH 96828:  USS Hammann at the Charleston Navy Yard, South Carolina in January 1942

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- U.S. NAVY SHIPS --

USS Hammann (DD-412), 1939-1942

USS Hammann, a 1620-ton Sims class destroyer built at Kearny, New Jersey, was commissioned in August 1939, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Arnold E. True. Her service over the next thirty months included active participation in 1941 "operations short of war" in the Atlantic. Transferred to the Pacific in January 1942, she took part in operations in the South Pacific in February-May 1942 including the Battle of Coral Sea. During the Battle of Midway in early June 1942, Hammann screened USS Yorktown (CV-5). While tied alongside Yorktown on the afternoon of 6 June 1942, assisting in her salvage, Hammann was torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-168 and sank in a few minutes. Casualties among her crew were very heavy.

USS Hammann was named in honor of Ensign Charles H. Hammann, USNRF (1892-1919), who won the Medal of Honor for heroism during World War I.

This page features, and provides links to, views concerning USS Hammann (DD-412).

For images of Hammann's torpedoing and loss, see:

  • Battle of Midway -- USS Yorktown Salvage and Torpedoing, 5-6 June 1942.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

    Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

    Photo #: NH 96827

    USS Hammann (DD-412)


    Photographed when first completed, circa mid-1939.
    The ship appears to be under tow, with a canvas cover over her stack, indicating that she may be en route from her builders for delivery to the Navy. Five tires are hung over her side for use as fenders.

    U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

    Online Image: 104KB; 740 x 540 pixels

     
    Photo #: NH 96828

    USS Hammann (DD-412)


    At the Charleston Navy Yard, South Carolina, in January 1942, just before she transferred to the Pacific.
    She is painted in Measure 12 (modified) camouflage.

    U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

    Online Image: 119KB; 740 x 540 pixels

     
    Photo #: 80-G-312064

    Battle of Midway, June 1942


    Survivors of USS Hammann (DD-412) are brought ashore at Pearl Harbor from USS Benham (DD-397), a few days after their ship was sunk on 6 June 1942.
    Note Navy ambulance in left foreground, many onlookers, depth charge racks on Benham's stern and open sights on her after 5"/38 gun mount.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

    Online Image: 131KB; 740 x 545 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-40170

    Commander Arnold E. True, USN


    Receives the Navy Cross and Distinguished Service Medal for his performance while in command of USS Hammann (DD-412) during the May-June 1942 Battles of Coral Sea and Midway. Hammann was lost on 6 June 1942, during the Midway action.
    Presenting the awards is Admiral William F. Halsey. Photograph was taken circa October 1942.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.

    Online Image: 91KB; 630 x 675 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     


    For images of Hammann's torpedoing and loss, see:

  • Battle of Midway -- USS Yorktown Salvage and Torpedoing, 5-6 June 1942.


    NOTES:

  • To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded and used for any purpose.

  • Some images linked from this page may bear obsolete credit lines citing the organization name: "Naval Historical Center". Effective 1 December 2008 the name should be cited as: "Naval History and Heritage Command".


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


    Return to Naval History and Heritage Command home page.

    Page made 15 April 1999
    Coding updated 4 May 2009