March 4, 1942-The Aaron Ward is commissioned. The ship then leaves for a brief shakedown cruise.
May 20, 1942-The Aaron Ward leaves to join the Pacific Fleet. Upon arriving, the destroyer is assigned to escort duties.
August 9, 1942-The Aaron Ward is part of Task Group 62.4 during the Battle of Savo Island, but did not participate in the engagement.
October 17, 1942-The Aaron Ward is assigned to the Guadalcanal Covering Force.
November 12, 1942-The Aaron Ward takes part in the First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. During the attack, the ship was hit a total of 9 times, and managed to stay afloat only by excellent damage control efforts. The destroyer lost 15 men, with another 55 wounded.
November 14, 1942-The Aaron Ward is towed to Tulagi for repairs.
December 20, 1942-The Aaron Ward enters Pearl Harbor for permanent repairs.
February 6, 1943-The Aaron Ward rejoins the fleet after repairs are completed.
April 7, 1943-The Aaron Ward is attacked by 6 Japanese aircraft while protecting LST-449 near Guadalcanal. The destroyer is rocked by 4 near misses and finally a direct hit, causing the destroyer to sink. 27 sailors are killed and 59 more are wounded, as well as three of the attackers being hit by the Aaron Ward's guns.
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