Meet Samuel B Roberts

Introduction to Samuel B Roberts

Samuel B Roberts was a United States Navy destroyer that played a significant role in World War II. The ship was named after Samuel Booker Roberts, a coxswain in the United States Navy who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Boxer Rebellion. The Samuel B Roberts was known for its bravery and sacrifice, particularly during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which was one of the largest naval battles in history.

Background and Construction

The Samuel B Roberts was a John C Butler-class destroyer escort that was built by the Brown Shipbuilding Company in Houston, Texas. The ship was laid down on December 6, 1943, and was launched on January 20, 1944. It was commissioned on April 28, 1944, with Lieutenant Commander Robert W Copeland in command. The Samuel B Roberts was equipped with a variety of armaments, including three 3-inch guns, two 40mm guns, and eight 20mm guns.

Service History

The Samuel B Roberts began its service in the Atlantic Ocean, where it conducted convoy escort duties and anti-submarine patrols. In September 1944, the ship was transferred to the Pacific Theater, where it joined the United States Seventh Fleet. The Samuel B Roberts played a key role in several important battles, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Surigao Strait. During these battles, the ship engaged Japanese forces and helped to protect Allied ships and troop transports.

Battle of Leyte Gulf

The Battle of Leyte Gulf was a decisive naval battle that took place from October 23 to 26, 1944. The battle was fought between Allied forces and Japanese forces and was one of the largest naval battles in history. The Samuel B Roberts played a significant role in the battle, engaging Japanese ships and helping to protect Allied vessels. Despite being outgunned and outmanned, the Samuel B Roberts and its crew showed remarkable bravery and sacrifice during the battle.

🚢 Note: The Samuel B Roberts was sunk during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, resulting in the loss of 89 lives.

Legacy

The Samuel B Roberts is remembered as a heroic ship that played a significant role in World War II. The ship’s bravery and sacrifice during the Battle of Leyte Gulf will always be remembered as an inspiration to future generations. The Samuel B Roberts was awarded several decorations for its service, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Ship Name	Class	Commissioned	Decommissioned
Samuel B Roberts	John C Butler-class destroyer escort	April 28, 1944	October 25, 1944

Some of the key statistics of the Samuel B Roberts include: * Length: 306 feet * Beam: 36 feet * Draft: 9 feet * Speed: 24 knots * Crew: 224 officers and men

Crew and Commanding Officers

The Samuel B Roberts had a crew of 224 officers and men. The ship’s commanding officers included: * Lieutenant Commander Robert W Copeland * Lieutenant Commander George E Davis

The crew of the Samuel B Roberts was known for its bravery and sacrifice during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Despite being outgunned and outmanned, the crew fought valiantly and helped to protect Allied ships and troop transports.

In summary, the Samuel B Roberts was a heroic ship that played a significant role in World War II. The ship’s bravery and sacrifice during the Battle of Leyte Gulf will always be remembered as an inspiration to future generations.