The USS Reuben James (DD-245) holds a notable place in United States naval history, not only as a vessel named after a distinguished Boatswain's Mate from the First Barbary War but also as the first U.S. Navy ship to be lost to hostile action in the European Theater of World War II. This four-funnel Clemson-class destroyer, constructed in the aftermath of World War I, had a relatively short service life before its tragic sinking in October 1941, an event
that underscored the growing dangers in the Atlantic even before the United States officially entered the global conflict.
Construction and Early Service
Construction of the USS Reuben James began on April 2, 1919, when she was laid down by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey. The ship was launched just a few months later on October 4, 1919, a testament to the rapid shipbuilding capabilities of the era. She was officially commissioned into the United States Navy on September 24, 1920, marking the beginning of her active duty.As a Clemson-class destroyer, the Reuben James was part of a large class of ships designed for speed and versatility. These destroyers were characterized by their distinctive four funnels and were a common sight in the U.S. fleet during the interwar period. Her general characteristics included a displacement of 1,215 long tons, a length of 314 feet 5 inches, and a beam of 31 feet 8 inches. Her draft was 9 feet 4 inches, allowing her to operate in various waters.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The USS Reuben James was powered by two geared steam turbines, delivering 26,500 shaft horsepower to two shafts. This propulsion system enabled her to achieve a top speed of 35 knots, equivalent to about 40 miles per hour or 65 kilometers per hour. Her impressive range allowed her to cover 4,900 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots, which translates to approximately 5,600 miles or 9,100 kilometers at 17 miles per hour or 28 kilometers per hour.Her complement consisted of 159 officers and enlisted personnel, who operated her various systems and armaments. The destroyer was equipped with a formidable array of weapons for her time, including four 4-inch (100 mm) guns and one 3-inch (76 mm) antiaircraft gun. For offensive capabilities against other ships, she carried twelve 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes, making her a significant threat to enemy vessels.
The Fateful Sinking in the Atlantic
The USS Reuben James's service came to an abrupt and tragic end on October 31, 1941. While operating in the Atlantic Ocean, near Iceland, she was struck by a torpedo fired by the German submarine U-552. The attack resulted in the sinking of the destroyer and the loss of 100 crewmembers. This event occurred before the United States had formally entered World War II, highlighting the undeclared naval warfare that was already taking place in the Atlantic.The sinking of the Reuben James was a stark reminder of the dangers faced by U.S. Navy ships even in a period of official neutrality. Although four U.S.-flagged merchant ships had been sunk by hostile action prior to this, the Reuben James was the first U.S. Navy vessel to suffer such a fate in the European Theater. Her loss served as a somber precursor to the full-scale involvement of the United States in World War II, which would begin just over a month later with the attack on Pearl Harbor.
