History

Stoddard Namesake

The USS Stoddard was named for James Stoddard, born at Port Robinson, C.W. (Canada West), around 1838. On 21 September 1863, he enlisted in the United States Navy at Detroit, Michigan. While serving on the Marmora near Yazoo City, Mississippi, Stoddard was sent ashore, with the crew of a rifled howitzer mounted on a field carriage, to help repulse a confederate attack on that town. He and his comrades defended their gun against superior forces, often engaging in hand-to-hand combat. Stoddard was wounded in the neck during the action, but recovered to receive a medal and a promotion to acting master’s mate, on 14 April 1864, for his courageous stand.

Readers' Stories, Comments & Photos

James Stoddard, E-mail from Robert Hoag, II.
Re-commissioning, March 9, 1954 at Charleston, SC
Navy Unit Commendation, September 26, 1969 at Charleston, SC
Copy of Engineering Log from 15 April, 1944
Follow the Stoddard History Project Here
Stoddard History - Long Text version
Stoddard CO history

[ Please note: Many general history topics appearing through out this document were obtained from the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (Volume VI) Naval History Division, Dept of the Navy, Washington: 1976 ]

Nickname - The Steaming Demon
	Early Logo A patched up steaming coffeepot surrounded by a ring life preserver (Referred to as The Donut). The name was appropriate: she was the fastest Tin Can in our group, recording 36 knots during speed runs.

	Vietnam Logo The Steaming Demon logo was changed from the coffeepot to a torpedo and shell hurling warship. This is a crest from that era.

	Final Logo We believe this patch is the unofficial emblem for the ship from the late '50s on.

Construction

The Stoddard (DD-566) was laid down at Seattle, WA by the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation on 10 March 1943.

It was then launched 19 November 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Mildred Gould Holcomb, and commissioned on 15 April 1944, with Comdr. Horace Meyers in command.