The Sitting Duck Squadron was designated as Destroyer Task Element 90.62 composed of ships in Destroyer Squadron 9 (DESRON9): USS DeHaven (DD-727), USS Mansfield (DD-728), USS Collett (DD-730), USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729), USS Henderson (DD-785) and USS Gurke (DD-783).The six destroyers were distinguished by extraordinary heroism in action with the enemy in the hostile enemy waters at the well-fortified harbor of Inchon, Korea. Ordered to anchor within close point blank range of enemy shore defenses on Wolmi-Do Island, they drew fire from hidden enemy gun emplacements ashore on September 13th, on D-day minus 2. The destroyers returned fire with decisive accuracy, on the heavy batteries, although receiving numerous hits and some casualties refused to depart from their assigned stations until their scheduled time of withdrawal. These ships navigated the heavily mined harbor, executed precise bombardment and effectively reduced the defenses of the port to permit the successful landing at 0633 on September 15th of G, H, and I Companies of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment who stormed ashore within this narrowly confined area. For their gallantry in action, the six destroyers were named The Sitting Duck Squadron, and were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for the reconnaissance-in-force, of Wolmi-Do Island as authorized by the Secretary of the Navy.
The Taking of Wolmi-Do
by Commander Malcolm W. Cagle, USN."Like a mini-Gibraltar, the heavily fortified islands of Wolmi-Do guarding the entrance to Inchon had to be silenced before MacArthur's amphibious troops could mount their perilous invasion. And no finer sacrificial lambs could lure the fire of the North Koreans better than the reliable WWII-era destroyers of DESRON9, classified 'EXPENDABLE' by the Pentagon. "Which destroyers should be chosen? Destroyer Squadron 9 was the logical choice. They had been in action in Korean waters from the first day. The east coast blockade had given them ample opportunities to perfect their gunnery. Also, Destroyer Squadron 9 ships were older destroyers with little of the brand-new electronic equipment. If destroyers had to be sacrificed, these older ships were most "expendable." Thus, then, the bold yet simple plan for drawing Inchon's longest fangs."