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The following text was paraphrased from a web page for the USS Gurke (DD-783) which was one of the destroyers in this group: "Like a mini-Gibraltar, the heavily fortified islands of Wolmi-Do guarding the entrance to Inchon had to be silenced before MacArthur's amphibious troops could mount their perilous invasion. And no finer sacrificial lambs could lure the fire of the North Koreans better than the reliable WWII-era destroyers of DESRON9, classified 'EXPENDABLE' by the Pentagon. "Which destroyers should be chosen? Destroyer Squadron 9 was the logical choice. They had been in action in Korean waters from the first day. The east coast blockade had given them ample opportunities to perfect their gunnery. Also, Destroyer Squadron 9 ships were older destroyers with little of the brand-new electronic equipment. If destroyers had to be sacrificed, these older ships were most "expendable." Thus, then, the bold yet simple plan for drawing Inchon's longest fangs." The Sitting Duck Squadron was designated as Destroyer Task Element 90.62 composed of ships in Destroyer Squadron 9 (DESRON9): USS DeHaven (DD-727), USS Mansfield (DD-728), USS Collett (DD-730), USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729), USS Henderson (DD-785) and USS Gurke (DD-783). The six destroyers were distinguished by extraordinary heroism in action with the enemy in the hostile enemy waters at the well-fortified harbor of Inchon, Korea. Ordered to anchor within close point blank range of enemy shore defenses on Wolmi-Do Island, they drew fire from hidden enemy gun emplacements ashore on September 13th, 1950 on D-day minus 2. The destroyers navigated the heavily mined harbor, executed precise bombardment on the heavy batteries and effectively reduced the defenses of the port to permit the successful Inchon landing at 0633 on September 15th, 1950. Although receiving numerous casualties, they refused to depart from their assigned stations until their scheduled time of withdrawal. For their gallantry in action, the six destroyers were named The Sitting Duck Squadron, and were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for the reconnaissance-in-force, of Wolmi-Do Island as authorized by the Secretary of the Navy. |