in time to launch telling strikes against the retreating Japanese ships. Cowell returned to Ulithi 28 October for patrol and training duty until 26 December when she sailed for Seattle and an overhaul. Battle of Okinawa Returning to action, Cowell sailed from Saipan 27 March 1945 for the invasion of Okinawa. She covered the diversionary landings during the assault on 1 April, then took up the radar picket duty which was to bring her a Presidential Unit Citation (US). Until 20 June Cowell braved the hazards of the picket line to direct combat air patrol successfully and to shoot down her own share of Japanese aircraft with antiaircraft fire. On at least three occasions skillful maneuvering, accurate fire and courage saved Cowell from severe damage. On 4 May she shot down two planes within 50 feet of the ship, receiving a shower of gasoline and burning debris, then aided by firing on another kamikaze. On 13 May Cowell fired on several attacking planes, then brought firefighting and medical assistance to the stricken , screening her from further attack. In another attack on 25 May Cowell shot down a diving kamikaze which exploded in midair scattering shell fragments and its cockpit door on Cowells deck and causing small fires. Relieved of picket duty 20 June, Cowell joined TG 32.15 to patrol off Okinawa in the East China Sea. On 22 July she sent rescue and fire-fighting parties to aid . Cowell sailed from Okinawa 20 September 1945 to support the occupation landings at Matsuyama. She cleared for home from Nagoya 31 October and arrived at San Diego 17 November, where Cowell was placed out of commission in reserve 22 July 1946. 1951 – 1960 Recommissioned 21 September 1951, Cowell was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, and sailed from San Diego 4 January 1952 to arrive at Norfolk, Virginia 19 January. She joined in fleet exercises and training, then sailed from Norfolk 7 January 1953 for the Far East. She joined TF 77 off Korea on patrol, then operated with British ships in the West Coast Blockade Force. She escorted to a bombardment of the east coast of Korea, then joined TG 95.2 for shore bombardment in Wonsan Harbor, minesweeping and coastal patrols. She cleared Sasebo 26 June to complete her cruise around the world calling at Manila, and passing through the Indian Ocean, the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea to