USS Swenning (DE-394)

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. USS Swenning (DE-394) was an Edsall-class destroyer escort built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. She served in the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and provided destroyer escort protection against submarine and air attack for Navy vessels and convoys. She was named in honor of Gust J. Swenning. Swenning was a member of the Forward Repair Party of the USS New Orleans (CA-32), when struck by a torpedo during the Battle of Tassafaronga 30 November 1942 which detonated the forward magazines, Swenning unhesitatingly dove through the oil and water in a flooded compartment to close a watertight door, in further efforts to assist in bringing the damaged ship to port he labored tirelessly and continuously for twelve hours after the cessation of the action. His courageous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Swenning died just a few days later on December 1 1942 and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his valiant efforts during the Battle of Tassafaronga.