The USS Monssen was a DD-436 destroyer. In November of 1942 she was one of 13 Task Force 67 ships engaged in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. She escorted transports carrying reinforcements and supplies into Guadalcanal. On Friday, November 13th she was ordered to intercept a Japanese battleship force attempting to bomb Henderson field on the island.

The resulting gunfire and torpedo action prevented the enemy from gaining their objective, but Monssen was among the one cruiser and four destroyers that were hit.

She was disabled by Japanese gunfire and atria flashing her recognition lights as ordered, she was abandoned and burned. The survivors either swam to or were picked up and taken to Guadalcanal.

Nine officers were killed and five wounded. There were 136 enlisted killed, including Fireman 1/c Oram, with 32 wounded.

Fireman Orem's name is also included on "The Mission Action or Buried at Sea Tablets" in the Manila American Cemetery.

Orluff Oram