German U-Boat Attacks USS Greer
September 4th, 1941
September 4th, 1941
German U-Boat Attacks USS Greer
A German U-boat attacked the USS Greer, marking a pivotal moment in naval engagements during World War II. The USS Greer, a destroyer escort, was patrolling the Atlantic when it encountered the U-652. After being attacked, the Greer returned fire, damaging the submarine. This incident underscored the increasing tensions between the United States and Germany prior to the U.S. entering the war.
First U.S. warship attacked by a German submarine.
U-652 fired torpedoes at USS Greer unsuccessfully.
Greer retaliated with depth charges, damaging the sub.
Increased tensions led to U.S. military involvement.
What Happened?
The USS Greer, a destroyer escort commissioned in 1940, was conducting anti-submarine patrols in the Atlantic when it became the first U.S. warship to be attacked by a German U-boat. On September 4, 1941, while operating off the coast of Iceland, the Greer was targeted by the German submarine U-652. The submarine fired torpedoes at the Greer, which missed. In response, the Greer launched a counterattack using depth charges, which led to damage being inflicted upon the U-boat, although it managed to escape.
Why Does it Matter?
This confrontation marked a significant escalation in the naval war between Germany and the United States, representing a shift away from the United States' policy of neutrality. It showcased the growing threat of German U-boats to Allied shipping and paved the way for increased American military involvement in the Atlantic. By testing responses and forging strategies against submarine warfare, this incident laid the groundwork for future naval engagements.
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