Navy christens future destroyer named for Korean War veteran, Medal of Honor recipient

The Navy christened a future guided missile destroyer named in honor of a Navy hospital corpsman who served in the Korean War and earned the Medal of Honor for heroism in battle.

Future USS William Charette was christened Saturday during a ceremony at General Dynamic Bath Iron Works in Maine. The event brought together government officials, military leaders, shipbuilders, veterans and members of the ship namesake’s family.

“When DDG 130, the future William Charette, joins the U.S. fleet, it will sail with the motto ‘Valor in Service,’ ” said Charles F. Crew, president of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, during the ceremony. “A fitting tribute to the namesake’s heroism in Korea and his decades of commitment to the U.S. Navy.”

Before the christening ceremony, Kathryn Charette Donovan, the daughter of the ship’s namesake and the ship’s sponsor, reflected on her father’s legacy.

“Today, this ship begins her own journey. Just as my father quietly carried our family through the darkness toward a new day, this ship will one day carry generations of sailors toward missions not yet imagined,” Donovan said. “My hope is that all who serve aboard her will find in William Charette’s legacy not only an example of courage in battle, but of humility, kindness and unwavering love for others.”

Donovan then carried out the christening tradition by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow. She was joined by the namesake’s granddaughters, Michelle Charette and Sara Charette Wright.

Kathryn Charette Donovan, daughter of Korean War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient William Richard Charette, joined by his granddaughters Michelle Charette and Sara Charette Wright, christens the future guided-missile destroyer USS William Charette (DDG-130) by breaking bottles of sparkling wine across the ship’s bow during a ceremony at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, on Aug. 1, 2026. (PAE Maritime via X)

Master Chief Hospital Corpsman William Richard Charette was serving with a Marine rifle company during the Korean War on March 27, 1953, when he repeatedly risked his life to treat wounded Marines under heavy enemy fire, according to a service news release.

He shielded a Marine from a grenade blast with his own body and continued providing medical care despite being wounded himself, tearing apart his clothing to use as bandages. Charette also gave his own protective vest to a seriously injured Marine, knowing it would leave him vulnerable to enemy fire.

For his actions that saved many lives that day, Charette received the Medal of Honor on Jan. 12, 1954, from President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Master Chief Hospital Corpsman William Richard Charette receives the Medal of Honor from President Dwight D. Eisenhower on Jan. 12, 1954. (Congressional Medal of Honor Society)

Master Chief Hospital Corpsman William Richard Charette receives the Medal of Honor from President Dwight D. Eisenhower on Jan. 12, 1954. (Congressional Medal of Honor Society)