DD-321 - Tin Can Sailors

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Hull Number: DD-321

Launch Date: 08/22/1919

Commissioned Date: 02/23/1921

Decommissioned Date: 05/31/1930

Call Sign: NUMG

Class: CLEMSON

CLEMSON Class

Namesake: ARNOLD MARCUS

ARNOLD MARCUS

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, December 2016

Arnold Marcus — born on 26 June 1892 in Atlantic City, N.J. — was appointed midshipman on 22 May 1909, and graduated with the Naval Academy Class of 1913. He assumed command of A‑7 (Submarine No. 8) on 13 March 1917. On 27 July 1917, Lt. (j.g.) Marcus died of injuries suffered during an explosion on board A‑7, while the boat was on patrol in Manila Bay, Philippine Islands, two days before. He was the last man to leave the ship, remaining on board to insure the safe evacuation of his crew and to attempt the grounding of his ship to prevent her from sinking. In so doing he upheld the highest traditions of the Navy.

Disposition:

Stricken 1/28/1935. Target 6/25/1935.

Ship History

USS MARCUS DD-321 Ship History

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, December 2016

Marcus (Destroyer No. 321) was laid down on 20 May 1919 at San Francisco, Calif., by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp.; launched on 22 August 1919; sponsored by Mrs. Arnold Marcus, widow of the late Lt. (j.g.) Marcus; redesignated from Destroyer No. 321 to DD-321 on 17 July 1920, and commissioned on 23 February 1921, Lt. Cmdr. Charles E. Rosendahl in command.

Marcus, after completion of her shakedown cruise, was assigned to duty with the Pacific Fleet. As a unit of Squadron 13, and later Squadron 12, she operated off the west coast, her cruises ranging from Seattle to Panama. In early 1924, February‑March, she joined other ships of the battle force in fleet maneuvers based on a simulated attack on the Panama Canal. From April through July, 1925 she participated in fleet tactical problems in the Hawaiian Islands area. She then returned to her regular operations schedule until 1927. During March and April of that year she again sailed south to take part in Caribbean fleet maneuvers, following which she returned to the west coast. Between 1927 and 1929 she made several voyages to Honolulu; one a Naval Reserve training cruise, two others as carrier screen.

In September 1929, Marcus was ordered to San Diego where she was decommissioned on 31 May 1930. Disposed of in accordance with the terms of the London Naval Treaty.

Stricken from the Navy Register on 28 January 1935, ex-Marcus was sunk during gunnery exercises on 25 June 1935.