The USS Putnam (DD-287) was a Clemson-class destroyer in the United States Navy during the early 20th century. It was commissioned in 1920 and served in various capacities over its career. The ship participated in training exercises, fleet maneuvers, and served as a plane guard for aircraft carriers. USS Putnam was also involved in diplomatic missions, including transporting the remains of the Unknown Soldier back to the United States from France in 1921. The destroyer was decommissioned in 1930 and placed in reserve. In 1940, the ship was recommissioned and performed convoy duties during World War II, escorting merchant ships across the Atlantic. USS Putnam was eventually decommissioned for the final time in 1945 and sold for scrap in 1946. The ship's service highlights the important roles that destroyers played in the Navy during this period, from training exercises and diplomatic missions to convoy escort duties during wartime.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.