USS Burrows (DD-29) - United States Navy

United States Navy

Prior to World War I, Burrows was attached to the Torpedo Flotilla, Atlantic Fleet, and operated along the east coast and in Cuban waters, performing tactical maneuvers, war games, torpedo practice, and gunnery. Early in 1916, Burrows was assigned to the Neutrality Patrol in the Staten Island–Long Island area of New York. When the United States entered World War I, Burrows patrolled the Lower Harbor, New York. On 7 April 1917, she reported to Commander, Squadron 2, Patrol Force, and carried out an unfruitful search for a German raider reported in the vicinity of Nantucket, Massachusetts. On 10 April, she was detached from Squadron 2 and reported to Philadelphia Navy Yard, where she was fitted out for distant service.

In June, she sailed from New York with Group 2, Cruiser and Transport Force, to escort the convoy which carried the first American Expeditionary Force to reach France. She arrived in the Loire River on 27 June 1917, and was assigned to patrol the south coast of Ireland, operating out of Queenstown, Ireland. Burrows patrolled; escorted convoys; answered Allied distress calls; landed survivors; and fought enemy submarines that hunted in the English Channel. On one occasion, she was in trouble with a broken oil line, which caused a fire on board. Four other destroyers assisted her in putting it out, but two crew members lost their lives. With the cessation of hostilities, she performed various duties at Brest, France, and was present at the reception of President Woodrow Wilson on 13 December 1918, when George Washington and escort arrived.

Burrows arrived at Philadelphia on 2 January 1919. She operated along the eastern seaboard for several months, and in June reported to Philadelphia Navy Yard. Burrows was decommissioned on 12 December 1919.