This is the story in words and photographs of the U.S.S. JOHN Q. ROBERTS (APD 94), written by the officers and men who took her from the Charleston Navy Yard when she was born, put her through one year's honorable service with the United States Navy in war and peace, and finally helped her to a well earned rest on the peaceful waters of the St. John's River in Florida.

          The Roberts lays no claim to glorious battle history. Not one of the numerous shells fired from her single 5"/38 mount was ever pointed in the direction of a known enemy. Nevertheless, every member of her crew had the sincere conviction that if ever the opportunity arose to do battle with the enemy, she would have proved herself to be the fine fighting ship which must of necessity result from the combination of Charleston's steel, fire and sweat, and a well-organized, well-trained spirited crew under good leadership.

          The Roberts is named for John Quincy Roberts, an outstanding scholar and athlete at the University of Alabama, who later became a Naval Aviator. Ensign Roberts lost his life in the Battle of Midway while operating from the U. S. S. ENTERPRISE. He was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously "for heroism and courageous devotion to duty." His citation said he pressed home his fierce attacks in the face of a formidable barrage of anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition." He was also awarded the Purple Heart and was entitled to wear the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the Ribbon of the Presidential Citation awarded the U. S. S. ENTERPRISE.

          Such were the glorious and courageous traditions and precedents set for the ROBERTS by the man for whom she was named, and she can hold her head up proudly and say, "I never let him down."

This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo