William Edward Northcutt RM 2/c

This page is dedicated in loving memory of my father.  He was a proud veteran of WW II serving with the US Navy as a Radioman  2/Class. His tour of duty was in the Pacific theatre aboard the Destroyer Escort, USS Doyle C. Barnes DE 353.

DE 353 was named for Ensign Doyle Clayton Barnes.

The Ship's History began March 4, 1944 when she was Christened and launched at Orange, Texas. Read about and see Rare Photos from this ceremony.  The history page includes the history of the ship, letters from the Commander and documentation of the Japanese surrender at Kuching, Borneo.

DE 353 was a John C. Butler Class destroyer escort.  Read about this class of ships and the specifications of DE 353.

On 19 October 1944, USS Doyle C. Barnes was designated Flagship Of Commander Escort Division 82, CDR William Croft Jennings, USNR.  Other ships of this division were the USS Kenneth M. Willett DE 354, USS Jaccard DE 355, USS Lloyd E. Acree DE 356, USS George E. Davis DE 357 and USS Mack DE 358.

My father was a "Plankowner" of his ship, meaning he was attached to the ship's complement on Commissioning date.  I have included a full list of his fellow shipmates on the Crew List, as well as Crew and Ship photos.

On July 13, 1945, a First Anniversary of Commissioning ceremony was held aboard ship.

DE 353 rolled up mileage equal to more than twice the distance around the world. An account of her service is found in the Ship's Log.

Sadly, few DE 353 crewmembers are still with us. In Memorium to the crewmembers who have sailed their final sea.

I cherish my father's Navy Medals and Pictures and display them proudly only a few steps from my computer desk.  He and DE 353 are never far from my site or memory.

One former crewmember, John B. Clark, has written his Memories Aboard the Barnes. This is a must read.

Lt. Commander John P. Ingle, Jr. was the ship's Commanding Officer.  His help was invaluable in preparing the information on these pages.  More importantly, he performed an "act of kindness"  I will cherish the rest of my life.  I will never be able to repay him.  I hope you will read my story.

In 2000, I erected and dedicated A Memorial to my father and the crew of DE 353. 

Since publishing this website on the internet, I have received email from former shipmates and family of former shipmates.  Also, I have the names, addresses and telephone numbers of other former crewmembers. If you would like a copy of my list, just email me.

The destroyer escort was known as a "trim but deadly" ship and played a vital role in WWII. Learn more about the History of the Destroyer Escort.

Lest We Forget - I am proud to be an American. These are some of my thoughts and a tribute to our Veterans.

POW/MIA - Why have we forgotten them? Find out more about this issue, including my relatives.

Links to other DE and naval web sites.

I am honored to have received Awards for this website.

History of the U.S. Navy Flag