Yūdachi (夕立, "Evening Squall")[1] was the fourth of ten Shiratsuyu-class destroyers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy under the "Circle One" Program (Maru Ichi Keikaku).

From January 1942, Yūdachi participated in operations in the Netherlands East Indies, including the invasions of Tarakan, Balikpapan and eastern Java.

Yūdachi arrived at Shortland Island on 30 August, and was immediately assigned to "Tokyo Express" high speed transport runs to Guadalcanal.

[6] Gregory attempted to fire on the Japanese destroyers, but within just three minutes was blasted by 12.7 cm (5 in) gunfire from the three ships and shot into a floating wreck.

[6][7] Yūdachi continued making missions to Guadalcanal through November, participating briefly in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October under Admiral Takeo Kurita.