Battle of Cape Esperance
"Fowler" was named in honor of Lieutenant (junior grade) Robert L. Fowler (1919-1942), who was killed in action, while serving aboard the destroyer during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11–12 October 1942. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. "Fowler" was launched on 3 July 1943 by Philadelphia Navy Yard; sponsored by Mrs. Robert L. Fowler, III, widow of Lieutenant (junior grade) Fowler; and commissioned on 15 March 1944, Lieutenant Commander G. S. Forde, United States Naval Reserve, in command.