The Benson- and Gleaves-class destroyers were the backbone of the pre-war Neutrality Patrols and participated in every major campaign of the war.

All were to have 600 psi (4,100 kPa) steam (references vary) superheated to 750 °F (399 °C), with cruising turbines and double-reduction gearing to maximize fuel efficiency.

[3] After contract award, Bethlehem requested that their design be modified to use less-complex single-reduction gears and no cruising turbines.

As not all facilities were equipped to produce the new Fletcher-class destroyers or because of other concerns, an additional 72 "repeat" Benson- and Gleaves-class ships were ordered in FY41.

[3] The Budget for the United States Government (as published) for fiscal year 41, starting on 1 July 1940 called for 8 destroyers to be built, [11] and they were originally contemplated to be DD-445 ... DD-452, i.e.

[3][10] The Bensons were all completed with "M"-type boilers, 600 psi (4,100 kPa) steam (references vary) superheated to 750 °F (399 °C), single-reduction gearing, and no cruising turbines.

[3] However, most of the Bensons spent most of the war with only five torpedo tubes equipped in favor of greater light anti-aircraft armament.

[15] The first six ships of the class began their careers on Neutrality Patrols, and after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the US entry into World War II continued to serve in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting operations in North Africa, Italy, and southern France until transferred to the Pacific in early 1945.

[1] Additionally, the bow section of USS Murphy was cut off in a collision with the tanker SS Bulkoil 75 nautical miles (139 km; 86 mi) from New York on 21 October 1943 and sank with the loss of 38 crew.

The rest of the ship was saved and was rebuilt and returned to service; thus Murphy was not officially considered lost.

USS Bailey received a Navy Unit Commendation for her service in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands, 26 March 1943.

Also, USS Hilary P. Jones received a Navy Unit Commendation for her actions in the final operations in the Mediterranean Sea in September 1944.