William D. Leahy
Prior to the entry of the United States into World War II, the destroyer saw over a year's service opposing the spread of Axis power. In addition to Neutrality Patrol in the Caribbean and North Atlantic convoy duty, she was escort on two diplomatic voyages in January 1941. She escorted as the cruiser carried Admiral William D. Leahy to Portugal en route to France to become Ambassador to the Vichy France Government. In August, she escorted , carrying President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Argentia Bay, she rendezvoused with , carrying British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.