USS Kearny Torpedoed by German U-boat
October 17th, 1941
October 17th, 1941

How Long Ago?
83 years, 4 months, 26 days ago
Location
North Atlantic Ocean
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
World War II
People
- Captain J. A. O'Flaherty
- Admiral Ernest King
Links & References
Tags
USS Kearny Torpedoed by German U-boat
The USS Kearny, a U.S. Navy destroyer, was torpedoed by the German U-boat U-568 in the North Atlantic. This marked a significant instance of direct aggression against U.S. naval forces prior to the U.S. entering World War II. The attack occurred while the Kearny was engaged in escort duties for supply ships. Although heavily damaged, the destroyer managed to return to port, highlighting both the risks faced by American vessels and the growing tension in the Atlantic waters. This incident underscored the increasing involvement of the United States in the conflict, paving the way for later military engagements against Axis powers.
Kearny was first US Navy ship hit by U-boat.
Incident occurred in the North Atlantic.
Kearny returned to port despite severe damage.
Event increased tensions before US entry into WWII.
What Happened?
The USS Kearny, a Gleaves-class destroyer of the United States Navy, was on anti-submarine patrol in the North Atlantic when it encountered the German U-boat U-568 on October 17, 1941. The attack took place approximately 150 miles west of the Azores. The U-boat fired torpedoes at the Kearny, striking it and causing significant damage. While the ship suffered casualties and was forced to adjust its operations, it successfully returned to port in the United States. This attack was particularly notable as it was the first time a U.S. Navy ship was torpedoed by a U-boat during World War II, illustrating the increasing dangers in the Atlantic Ocean as German submarines aggressively targeted Allied shipping.The Kearny's ordeal was part of a broader context of escalating maritime conflict between Germany and the United States, which had remained officially neutral but was increasingly drawn into the war due to the German U-boat campaign. The U.S. was already providing support to Allied nations through the Lend-Lease program, and this incident served to heighten awareness of the war's proximity to American shores. The event reflected a tipping point, as it showcased the vulnerabilities of the U.S. Navy in this theater and indicated that American naval operations would face persistent threats from German submarines.In the aftermath, the attack on the USS Kearny prompted discussions within the U.S. government and military about the necessity of greater naval protection for merchant vessels. This incident was crucial in shifting public sentiment towards more direct involvement in the war, foreshadowing greater military engagements following the direct attacks on Pearl Harbor in December of that year. In many ways, Kearny's experience at the hands of U-568 foreshadowed the aggressive submarine warfare tactics that would define much of the naval conflict in the Atlantic throughout the ensuing years of World War II.
Why Does it Matter?
The torpedoing of the USS Kearny was a significant escalation in the hostilities between the United States and Nazi Germany before the U.S. officially entered World War II. It highlighted the threats posed by German U-boats to American naval forces and merchant ships, stirring public and governmental support for taking a more active role in the conflict. This incident marked a key moment in shifting the tide of American policy towards direct engagement with Axis powers, setting the stage for the U.S. military's increasing involvement in the war.
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