USS Henry A. Wiley
After shakedown in the Caribbean Sea, the new minelayer rendezvoused with the battleships Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri and sailed 8 November for the Pacific to earn her nickname "Hammering Hank."As escort to the battleship New York, she rendezvoused with other ships of the Gunfire and Covering Force off the rocky Japanese island on 16 February 1945, three days before the initial landings.In less than a quarter-hour of heavy fighting, the ship splashed three kamikazes and two Baka bombers, one of which was closing from the starboard quarter when it was hit by Henry A. Wiley's accurate fire.For her actions off Okinawa, which resulted in the destruction of 15 Japanese planes, Henry A. Wiley received the Presidential Unit Citation, and her skipper the Navy Cross and Legion of Merit.From Okinawa, Henry A. Wiley sailed for the East China Sea, entering 12 June to screen minesweepers attempting to clear that vast body of water.