Ralph DeLancey Izard was born 26 February 1785 at Charleston, South Carolina, the son of a prominent political family. His father was Senator Ralph Izard, who served as a delegate to the Continental Congress (1782–1783), United States. Senator from South Carolina (1789–1795), and was President pro tempore of the United States Senate.
The destroyer United States Ship Izard (Doctor of Divinity-589) was named after him. Ralph was appointed Midshipman 2 October 1799. Izard volunteered and took part in the expedition under Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, commanding the ketch Intrepid, which entered the harbor of Tripoli 16 February 1804 and destroyed the captured United States. frigate Philadelphia in what Lord Nelson called the most daring act of the age.
Izard was assigned duty under Lieutenant
Decatur, with Midshipman John Rowe and 15 men, to hold the spar deck. He also took part in the attacks on Tripoli during August and September 1804 as part of Commodore Edward Preble"s squadron.
He was promoted to Lieutenant on 27 January 1807. Lieutenant Izard died 21 January 1822 at Charleston, South Carolina.
The destroyer Izard was launched and named in Lieutenant
Izard"s honor on 8 August 1942. She served in the Pacific during World World War II, including the battles of Kwajalein, the Philippine Sea, Leyte, and Iwo Jima, among others She received 10 battle stars for service.
