USS Reuben James Torpedoed by U-Boat
The destroyer USS Reuben James was attacked by the German U-boat U-552, leading to the death of over 100 U.S. Navy personnel. The torpedo strike near Iceland occurred during a time of heightened tension between the United States and Germany. As the first U.S. Navy vessel sunk by enemy action in World War II, this event marked a significant escalation in naval hostilities in the Atlantic, foreshadowing the U.S. entry into the war.
First U.S. Navy ship sunk by enemy action in WWII.
Over 100 sailors lost in the attack.
Incident increased tensions between U.S. and Germany.
Highlight of German U-boat threat in the Atlantic.
What Happened?
The USS Reuben James, a Gleaves-class destroyer of the United States Navy, was on patrol in the North Atlantic near Iceland when it encountered the German U-boat U-552. On the morning of October 31, 1941, U-552, commanded by Kapitänleutnant Erich Topp, launched a torpedo that struck the Reuben James, resulting in a catastrophic explosion. The ship sank rapidly, taking with it the lives of more than 100 sailors, with only 45 survivors rescued later by nearby vessels.
This attack was particularly significant as it was the first loss of a U.S. Navy ship from enemy actions during World War II. At this point in the conflict, the United States had not yet entered the war but had been providing assistance to Allied forces. The sinking of the USS Reuben James highlighted the increasing peril posed by German U-boats and intensified the urgency in U.S. military and political circles regarding security in the Atlantic.
The incident occurred at a time when American ideals and interests were beginning to shift, making the nation increasingly aware of the repercussions of the ongoing conflict in Europe. The loss of the Reuben James reverberated throughout the naval command, prompting a reevaluation of naval strategies against Axis submarines and bolstering support for direct military engagement.
Why Does it Matter?
The sinking of the USS Reuben James was pivotal as it demonstrated the direct threat posed to U.S. naval forces and marked a turning point in American public opinion towards the war. It underscored the reality of the conflict, transforming abstract concerns into tangible losses and creating a sense of urgency that contributed to the eventual decision to engage in full-scale war against the Axis powers. This event thus symbolizes the gradual shift from isolationism to interventionism in U.S. foreign policy.