Follow us on Facebook! 🇺🇸

Hull Number: DE-543

Launch Date: 01/27/1944


Class: JOHN C. BUTLER

JOHN C. BUTLER Class


Namesake: STEPHEN WILLIAM GROVES

STEPHEN WILLIAM GROVES

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, April 2016

Stephen William Groves, born 29 January 1917 in Millinocket, Maine, after a brief period period of enlisted service was appointed Aviation Cadet 15 February 1941. Ens. Groves was a member of Fighter Squadron 8 (on Hornet) during the epochal Battle of Midway. He hurled his fighter into a mass of Japanese aircraft threatening American carrier formations. Groves successfully pressed home his attack against desparate odds, thereby playing a key role in this decisive battle before he was presumed dead the next day, 5 June 1942, and received the Navy Cross posthumously for his heroism.


Disposition:

Cancelled 5 Sep 44.


USS GROVES DE-543 Ship History

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, April 2016

Groves (DE-543), a John C. Butler-class escort vessel, was building at Boston Navy Yard, but was cancelled 5 September 1944.