USS Charles E. Brannon (DE-446)

USS Charles E. Brannon (DE-446) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II. The primary purpose of the destroyer escort was to escort and protect ships in convoy, in addition to other tasks as assigned, such as patrol or radar picket. Post-war she proudly returned home with one battle star to her credit.

Charles E. Brannon (DE-446) was named in honor of Ensign Charles E. Brannon who was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his brave actions during the Battle of Midway.

She was launched 23 April 1944 by Federal Shipbuilding Co., Newark, New Jersey; sponsored by Second Lieutenant D. Brannon, WAG; and commissioned 1 November 1944, Commander E. W. Todd in command.

World War II Pacific Theatre operations
Putting out from New York 27 January 1945, Charles E. Brannon escorted cargo ships by way of the Panama Canal, and the Galapagos and Society Islands to Manus, arriving 15 March. Routed on to San Pedro Bay, Philippine Islands, she began the important task of guarding inter-island convoys. Late in April, she sailed in the screen of the assault forces bound for Tarakan, Borneo, off which she lay from 1 to 8 May, covering the landings and giving call fire support. Her effective gunfire won many compliments from the troops whose advance was thereby expedited. Charles E. Brannon gave similar support during the assault on Brunei Bay which began 10 June.

End-of-war operations
From the beginning of July through mid-September 1945, Charles E. Brannon escorted convoys sailing from the Philippines to Okinawa, then participated in the occupation of China operating between Okinawa and Hong Kong. She returned to San Francisco, California, 1 February and on 21 May 1946 was placed out of commission in reserve at San Diego, California.

Assigned as Reserve training ship
From August 1946 into 1960, Charles E. Brannon was assigned to the reserve training program. In cruises along the U.S. west coast over weekends and in more extended periods, active reservists manned her in refresher training. From 21 November 1950 to 18 June 1960, Charles E. Brannon performed this service in commissioned status, and since the latter date has been in service under an officer-in-charge, with a reserve officer in command when she puts to sea with her reserve training group. On 23 September 1968 she was struck from the Navy list, and, on 23 September 1968, she was sold for scrapping.

Military awards
Charles E. Brannon received one battle star for World War II service.