Career
Conklin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps 13 February 1942. Although mortally wounded in action on Guadalcanal 5 October 1942, Conklin remained at his gun until he could no longer man it, then disassembled it and scattered its parts so as to make it useless to the enemy before he died. Conklin (Delaware-439) was named in his honor.
She was launched 13 February 1944 by Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newark, New Jersey.
Sponsored by Mistress Theresa Conklin. And commissioned 21 April 1944, Commander Doctorate. C. Brown, United States Naval Reserve, in command.