Donald Roy McAnn

Donald Roy McAnn, born 23 June 1911 in Rochester, New York, enlisted in the United States Navy 16 August 1932.

Navy career
During the early months of World War II he served on USS Enterprise (CV-6) as a gunner’s mate first class.

Awarded the Navy Cross
On 26 October 1942 U.S. carrier task forces fought a numerically superior Japanese force in the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands. While suffering considerable damage, the Americans successfully checked the advancement of the powerful enemy force toward Guadalcanal. During the fierce air battle McAnn took valuable photographs from an exposed position on the forward port .50 caliber gun mount. In addition he rendered vital assistance to the gun crew and displayed outstanding courage without regard for his own safety. While relieving one of the gunners, he was struck by an exploding bomb fragment and fatally wounded. Donald Roy McAnn was buried at sea. For his unstinting bravery in the face of hostile action, McAnn was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously.

Namesake
The USS McAnn (DE-179) was named in his honor. The ship was launched 5 September 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Ethel Marie McAnn, and commissioned at New York 11 October 1943.