USS Canfield
USS Canfield (DE-262) was an constructed for the United States Navy during World War II. She was sent off into the Pacific Ocean to protect convoys and other ships from Japanese submarines and fighter aircraft. She performed escort and antisubmarine operations in dangerous battle areas and returned home with four battle stars. Namesake Leon William Canfield was born on 9 November 1915 in New York City. On 13 May 1940 he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve and after aviation training, was discharged on 4 March 1941. He reenlisted on 25 July 1941 and attended the U.S. Navy Midshipmen's School, Fort Schuyler, New York. He was appointed Ensign on 16 January 1942. In November 1942, he was serving on board the battleship in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. At about 00:57 on 15 November a 6-inch Imperial Japanese Navy shell penetrated into the radar plot on the port side of the South Dakota and demolished it killing him. Construction and commissioning She was launched on 6 April 1943 by Boston Navy Yard; sponsored by Mrs. L. W. Canfield; and commissioned on 22 July 1943. Service history Canfield sailed from Boston, Massachusetts on 13 October 1943 for Pearl Harbor, arriving