Invasion of France
On 25 March 1944 she sailed from New York to Plymouth, England, for temporary duty with the U.S. 12th Fleet, supporting the invasion of Normandy.invasion.That assignment lasted from 15 April to 1 August. The "Staff" was the leading minesweeper of the minesweeping group that lead the invasion.
On 8 June 1944 off Utah Beach, Staff came to the assistance of the destroyer Glennon (DD-620)**, which had struck a mine, and grounded. Unable to tow the Glennon it took on board most of its vrew many of whom were injured some seriously. For this operation its Captain, Lieutenant J.H.NAPIER was awarded Bronze Star Metal*. During efforts to refloat the stricken ship, the destroyer escort Rich (DE-695) also struck a mine which blew off a 50-foot section of her stern, followed by mine explosion under her forecastle. Rich sank within 15 minutes, and Glennon was eventually abandoned.
- "For meeritorious performance of duty as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S.STAFF during the assault of France, 8 June 1944. Lientenant Napier took his ship alongside the mined U.S.S.GLENNON, tried to tow her to a safe position, but finding this impossible, took off the stricken vessel all the personnel he could safely carry. The prompt and decisive action of Lieutenant Napier con tribbted in large measure to keeping the loss of life to a minimum. His actions were in keeping with the best traditions of the Uniter States naval service." signed by Harold R. Stark, Admital, U.S.Navy, Commander U.S.Naval Forces in Europe.
- From the record of the U.S.S. Glennon, DD620, after the U.S.S. Staff left with as much of the crew it could carry The Gleenon was hit by shore batteries and 25 of its crew were killed.
Read more about this topic: USS Staff (AM-114)
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