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.