In March 1943 Claxton patrolled briefly in Casco Bay, Maine, awaiting the possible sortie of German battleship Tirpitz from Norwegian waters.

Despite her damage and 15 wounded, Claxton completed her mission with her three forward guns, then sailed for temporary aid at Purvis Bay and permanent repairs on the west coast.

Sailing north for the invasion of the Philippines, the destroyer covered the operations of underwater demolition teams preparing the beaches, then gave screening and fire support during the landings on 20 October.

Continuing her patrol in Leyte Gulf to support the forces ashore, on 1 November 1944, Claxton suffered 5 dead, 23 wounded, and serious damage when a Japanese suicide plane crashed and exploded in the water alongside to starboard.

[1] Repairs at Tacloban and Manus prepared Claxton for her return to action on fire support, patrol, and escort duty in the Lingayen Gulf landings from 9–18 January 1945.