High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! USS Donaldson (DE-44) was an Evarts-class destroyer escort of the United States Navy during World War II. She was sent off into the Pacific Ocean to protect convoys and other ships from Japanese submarines and fighter aircraft. She performed escort and anti-submarine operations in dangerous battle areas and sailed home proudly displaying seven battle stars, a very high number for a ship of her type. She was originally intended for transfer to Great Britain as BDE-44, was launched on 1 August 1943 by Puget Sound Navy Yard; sponsored by Mrs. J. J. Donaldson, mother of Lieutenant (junior grade) Donaldson; retained by the Navy; and commissioned on 1 December 1943, Lieutenant H. L. Plage, USNR, in command.