History::

Beatty (DD-640) was launched 20 December 1941 by Charleston Navy Yard; sponsored by Mrs. Charles H. Drayton, daughter of Admiral Beatty; and commissioned 7 May 1942, Lieutenant Commander F. C. Stelter, Jr., in command.

Beatty joined the Atlantic Fleet and patrolled along the east coast and in the Caribbean until 8 October 1942. She escorted the Southern (Safi) Attack Force to the North African invasion (8-11 November 1942). The destroyer then began escorting convoys between New York and Casablanca, French Morocco, making three round trips between 12 December 1942 and 28 April 1943. Departing New York 8 June she arrived at Oran, Algeria, 22 June. She left Oran 5 July and during 10-12 July took part in the invasion of Sicily.

Returning to New York 4 August, she then completed a round trip convoy escort mission to the Mediterranean (21 August-21 September). Departing New York 2 October she escorted a convoy to Britain and there picked up another convoy (28 October) for the Mediterranean. While off Cape Bourgaroun, Algeria, 6 November 1943, German aircraft attacked the convoy. After fighting off several planes, Beatty was torpedoed. She broke in two and sank about three hours and 22 minutes later. Eleven of the crew were lost and eight wounded during the attack.

Beatty received three battle stars for her World War II service.

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