The USS Bull (DE-693/APD-78) was a Buckley-class destroyer escort constructed during World War II, later converted into a Charles Lawrence-class high-speed transport. She was the second Navy vessel named after Lieutenant (junior grade) Richard Bull, a naval aviator awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross posthumously. Built at Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City, Michigan, Bull was notable for her hull's conventional construction combined with an innovative upside-down assembly method pioneered by Defoe. She was launched on 25 March 1943 and commissioned on 12 August 1943. Initially serving in Atlantic convoy escort duties, Bull's early missions included transatlantic crossings to Derry, Northern Ireland, and operating out of Bermuda, Curaçao, and New York. Her service was marked by encounters with heavy seas, including a significant hurricane that caused damage and required repairs. During her Atlantic operations, she escorted convoys to England and participated in training exercises, notably towing targets for Navy aircraft practice. Midway through her service, Bull was converted to a high-speed transport, redesignated APD-78 on 31 July 1944. Her armament was reduced and upgraded, replacing her three 3-inch guns with a single 5-inch gun and installing heavier 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns. After her conversion, she underwent shakedown training in Chesapeake Bay, transited the Panama Canal, and proceeded to the Pacific theater. In the Pacific, Bull supported amphibious operations including the invasions of Luzon, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. She conducted reconnaissance, screening, and beach demolition support, often coming under Japanese attack, including kamikaze threats. Notably, she aided in rescuing an American pilot off Siguijori Island and provided fire support at Lingayen Gulf. During the Okinawa campaign, she endured numerous air raids but sustained no damage. Following Japan's surrender, Bull assisted in occupation duties throughout the Philippines and China before returning to the United States. She was decommissioned in San Diego on 5 June 1947 and placed in reserve. Sold to Taiwan in 1966, she served as ROCS Lu Shan (PF-36) until being struck from service in 1995 and scrapped. Her service earned her three battle stars for World War II.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.