The third USS Macdonough, DD 351, was laid down 15 May 1933 at Boston Navy Yard; launched 22 August 1934; sponsored by Miss Rose Shaler Macdonough, granddaughter of Commodore Thomas Macdonough; and commissioned 15 March 1935, Comdr. Charles S. Alden

Commodore Thomas Macdonough was born 23 December 1783 at The Trap (now Macdonough), Delaware. He was appointed midshipman in 1800 and participated with distinction in operations against Tripoli, 1803–04, serving on frigate Philadelphia before her capture and volunteering for the dash into Tripoli Harbor with Decatur to burn the captured vessel.    During the War of 1812, he commanded the United States Squadron on Lake Champlain. His energy in preparation and vigor in combat won a skillfully executed victory over the British at Plattsburg, 11 September 1814, denying control of the lake to the British and forcing the accompanying invasion army to retire to Canada.    Honored by Congress with promotion to captain, he served as Commandant, Portsmouth Navy Yard 1815–1818, before assuming command of Guerriere, stationed in the Mediterranean. He sailed to the Mediterranean again in 1824 as commanding officer of Constitution, but because of poor health was relieved the next year at his own request.    He departed for home in Edwin, but died at sea 10 November 1825. He was buried at Middletown, Connecticut.

in command.
   Following an extensive shakedown cruise to Europe and western South America, Macdonough Joined the Pacific Fleet and operated out of San Diego until 12 October 1939. She then shifted to a new home port, Pearl Harbor as part of Destroyer Squadron 1. In port 7 December 1941, Macdonough splashed one of the Japanese attack plane before heading out to sea to Join others in the search for the enemy task force. For the next 3 months, the destroyer performed scouting assignments southwest of Oahu. Before returning to Pearl Harbor to escort convoys to and from west coast ports, she steamed as far as New Guinea, lending support to air strikes on Bougainville, Salamaua, and Lae.
   Macdonough returned to the western Pacific to prepare for the Guadalcanal invasion Operating with Saratoga, she provided cover for the landings on Guadalcanal and Tulagi, 7 August 1942. She remained in the area, taking part in the Battle of Savo Island and fighting enemy aircraft and shipping during the landing of reinforcements on the island. At the end of September, she commenced escort work, plying between New Guinea, Espiritu Santo, and Pearl Harbor until reporting to Mare Island, 22 December, for overhaul.(continued)