USS Allen M. Sumner (DD-692), the original Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, was named for Allen Melancthon Sumner, a USMC captain, who was killed in action during World War I. Allen M. Sumner was laid down on 7 July 1943 at Kearny, N. J., by the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company; launched on 15 December 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Allen M. Sumner, Captain Sumner's widow; and commissioned at the New York Navy Yard on 26 January 1944, Commander Norman J. Sampson in command.