Hull Number: DE-73
Launch Date: 07/10/1943
Class: BUCKLEY
BUCKLEY Class
Namesake: DONALD ROY MCANN
DONALD ROY MCANN
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, April 2016
Donald Roy McAnn, born 23 June 1911 in Rochester, N.Y., enlisted in the U.S. Navy 16 August 1932. During the early months of World War II he served on Enterprise (CV‑6) as a gunner’s mate first class. 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 guncrew 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.
Disposition:
To Britain. Following the end of the war, Balfour was returned to the United States under command of Lieutenant Commander J.D.Davey, transferring back to the US Navy at New York on 25 October 1945, and keeping the name Balfour. She was sold on 28 October 1946.