On 1 February 1943, De Haven screened six LCT's and a seaplane tender establishing a beachhead at on Guadalcanal. While escorting two of the landing craft back to their base in the afternoon, De Haven was warned of an impending air attack by Japanese aircraft. She sighted nine aircraft and opened fire as six swung sharply toward her. She shot down three, but not before all six had dropped their bombs. De Haven was hit by three bombs and further damaged by a near miss. One bomb hit the superstructure squarely, killing the commanding officer. All way was lost after the first hit and the ship began to settle rapidly, sinking about 2 miles east of Savo Island. One of the LCTs she had escorted rescued the survivors. De Haven lost 167 killed and 38 wounded.
Initially declared MIA, MM3rd Birtwistle was declared KIA on 15 February 1944.
