The Sinking of the Reuben James

The sinking of the USS Reuben James is a somber reminder of the escalating tensions leading to the United States’ full involvement in World War II. On October 31, 1941, the destroyer became the first U.S. Navy ship to be lost in the conflict, a month before the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The USS Reuben James (DD-245) was a Clemson-class destroyer commissioned in 1920. In the early phases of World War II, before the U.S. officially entered the war, American warships were actively involved in escort duties in the North Atlantic. Their primary goal was to protect convoys of merchant vessels from attacks by German U-boats, as they carried critical supplies to Britain.

German U-boat U-552 was a Type VIIC submarine commissioned in 1940, with Captain Erich Topp at its helm. Topp was a skilled and aggressive commander, one of the top-scoring U-boat aces of the war. Before the encounter with the Reuben James, U-552 had already sunk several ships and had developed a reputation for being particularly effective and deadly.

On October 31, 1941, while escorting convoy HX-156, the Reuben James was positioned ahead of the main convoy. It has been reported (although debated) that Reuben James was NOT flying her US Flag. Along with her location, she was an early target for any lurking U-boats. U-552, under Captain Topp, identified the destroyer and launched her torpedoes.

U-552’s torpedo hit the Reuben James forward of the midsection, causing a catastrophic explosion that separated the ship’s bow. The immediate damage was devastating. Owing to the location of the impact, the forward magazine exploded, and the ship sank rapidly.

Of the 160 crew members aboard the Reuben James, only 44 survived. The rapidity of the sinking and the extreme cold of the North Atlantic waters contributed to the high casualty rate. The loss marked a significant moment for the U.S. Navy, symbolizing the direct threat the Axis powers posed.

The sinking of the Reuben James had a profound impact on the American public and leadership. While the U.S. was not yet in the war, the loss of an American military vessel made the distant conflict deeply personal. The event was immortalized in a song by Woody Guthrie, “The Sinking of the Reuben James,” emphasizing the human tragedy of the event. While it did not immediately lead to a U.S. declaration of war, it added to the mounting pressures advocating for intervention.

From the German perspective, the sinking was a military victory. However, sinking a U.S. warship also carried political implications. The Nazis were aware that direct attacks on American vessels could provoke the U.S. into joining the war. Nevertheless, U-boats were given a general order to avoid U.S. ships when possible, but if they posed a threat or interference to operations, they were fair targets.

The Reuben James serves as a symbol of the escalating conflict and the increasing U.S. involvement in World War II. The ship’s sacrifice highlighted the inherent risks of the U.S. policy of assisting the Allies while trying to maintain neutrality. It emphasized the blurred lines of engagement and underscored the ever-present threat of the Axis powers. The ship and her crew are remembered for their dedication and the ultimate sacrifice they made in the line of duty. The event, among others, paved the way for a more direct U.S. role in the Second World War.