USS Gridley (DD-380)-- Part 4: Operations in the Pacific

In the fall of 1942, the Gridley performed escort duty  in the Fijis and New Hebrides  On 13 July 1943, she  guarded high-speed transports rescuing survivors of the cruiser USS Helena.  Next, the ship was involved with the attacks on Tambatuni, New Georgia, where  she bombarded shore installations near the landing areas.

Next the Gridley  and six other destroyers destroyed Japanese landing barges at Vella Gulf 10 August then screened the carrier USS Saratoga during air operations in the Solomons until 25 August,  Then back to Pearl Harbor and San Diego where much needed repairs were made from 11 September to  26 October 1943.

Next destination were the Gilbert Islands and the attack on Makin Island.

In 1944 she was involved in the offensive operations in the Marshall Islands acting as a screening ship for the Saratoga again.  The islands of Wotje and Eniwetok and then to the New Hebrides and on to the developing  New Guinea offensive.

--GreGen