USS Robert L. Wilson
 DD 847 (Gearing Class) 

Builder:       Bath Iron Works, Bath Maine
Laid Down:     July 2, 1945
Launched:      January 5, 1946
Commissioned:  March 28, 1946
Fate:          Stricken September 30, 1974

We are seeking information on the USS Robert L. Wilson and her crews. Files and photos may be emailed to us and we will incorporate them into this page. When enough information has been assembled we will then build the ship her own section.

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 08:54:59 -0400
From: JACKSCULLY [email protected]
Subject: USS Robert L. Wilson DD/DDE 847 - 1997 Reunion

The 1997 reunion of the USS Robert L. Wilson DD/DDE 847 Association will be held in Baton Rouge, LA on September 18-21, 1997. Interested shipmates should contact Jack Scully at ([email protected]) or (203-775-4411). 

                  Jack Scully
                  Secretary/Treasurer
                  USS Robert L. Wilson DD/DDE 847 Association

The Gearing Class as Constructed 


          Displacement:  2,616 tons (3,460 tons full load)
          Length:        390 feet 6 inches
          Beam:          40 feet 10 inches
          Draught:       14 feet 4 inches (mean)
          Machinery:     four Babcock & Wilcox boilers;
                         2-shaft G.E.C. geared turbines
          Performance:   60,000 shp for 36.8 knots
          Bunkerage:     740 tons
          Range:         4,500 nautical miles at 20 knots
          Guns:          six 5 inch DP; twelve 40 mm;
                         eleven 20 mm
          Torpedoes:     ten 21 inch in two mounts


USS Robert L. Wilson DD 847
 Photo courtesy Bill Jones

Date: Mon, 18 Aug 1997 17:29:27 -0500
From: Bill Jones [email protected]
Subject: Destroyers

Sure enjoyed your web site. Attached is a picture of the USS Robert L Wilson DD-847. I have recently come in contact with some shipmates. There will be a reunion of the Wilson crew in Baton Rouge in September. I am compiling pictures and information and crew lists. Let me know if you would like more information.

Thanks,
Bill Jones
RM3
USS Robert L Wilson
1963-1965


From: "Matt Szkopiec" [email protected]
Subject: USS R.L. WILSON DDE-847

Wednesday - 11:50 am
September 17, 1997

NOTE: The following is being sent for my neighbor who does not have the Internet or E-Mail. Attachment is a GIF of the ship's patch.

I, Donald G. Karaus, Sr., served on the USS R. L. Wilson DDE 847 from the years of September, 1950 to March, 1954. The home port was the Convoy Escort Piers, Norfolk, Virginia.

Around 1951, a patch was created that depicts the Disney character "Goofey" smashing a submarine with a torpedo on the water. I purchased this patch on the ship. It depicted the USS R.L. WILSON DDE-847, which I felt at that time, would be a great momento to have of a ship that I was proud to have served on and would cherish for years to come. Somebody must have requested the patch to be created by Walt Disney for our ship. A picture of this patch is attached.

The USS R.L. WILSON DDE-847 made three Mediterranean Cruises - during the Fall/Winter of 1950, 1952 and 1953. The USS R.L. WILSON DDE-847 made two Shakedown Cruises to Cuba - 1951 and 1953.

Matt Szkopiec
[email protected]


USS Robert L. Wilson DD 847 patch
 Photo courtesy Donald G. Karaus, Sr.

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