The USS Putnam (DD-757) was a Fletcher-class destroyer that served in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War. Named after Captain George W. Putnam, a naval officer during the Civil War, the ship was laid down in 1943 and commissioned in 1944. During World War II, the USS Putnam participated in various operations in the Pacific theater, including providing naval gunfire support, escort duties, and engaging in anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare. After the war, the USS Putnam underwent a modernization program and was reclassified as a radar picket destroyer. The ship was then deployed to the Korean War, where it performed patrol and blockade duties off the Korean coast. Following the conflict, the USS Putnam continued to serve in the Navy until it was decommissioned in 1971. The USS Putnam received several awards and commendations for its service, including six battle stars for its actions during World War II and five battle stars for its service in the Korean War. After being decommissioned, the ship was transferred to the Spanish Navy and served as the Blas de Lezo until it was scrapped in 1988. Overall, the USS Putnam had a distinguished career, serving in two major conflicts and earning recognition for its contributions to the Navy's operations.

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