The USS Greer, a Gleaves-class destroyer, is infamous for being the first United States warship to be attacked by a German submarine during World War II. This pivotal event, which occurred on September 4, 1941, marked a significant shift in American involvement in the war.
In the early stages of World War II, the United States had maintained a policy of neutrality, despite growing tensions with Germany. However, as the war escalated, the U.S. began to provide material support to the Allies, including the Lend-Lease Act, which allowed the president to "sell, transfer, lend, or lease" military equipment to countries fighting against the Axis powers.
On September 4, 1941, the USS Greer, under the command of Captain J.L. Foley, was on patrol in the North Atlantic, escorting a convoy of British ships. Meanwhile, the German submarine U-652, commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Friedrich Wilhelm Rogge, was lurking in the area, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
The U-652 fired a torpedo at the USS Greer, which struck the ship's starboard side. Although the attack caused significant damage, the Greer managed to avoid sinking, and its crew was able to return fire, forcing the U-652 to retreat.
The attack on the USS Greer marked a significant escalation of American involvement in World War II. In response to the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the U.S. Navy to shoot on sight any German or Italian warship entering American defensive waters, effectively ending the country's policy of neutrality.
This event, combined with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, led to Germany and Italy declaring war on the United States, drawing the country into the conflict.
The attack on the USS Greer played a significant role in shaping American public opinion and galvanizing support for the war effort. It also led to an increase in enlistment rates and a surge in patriotism across the country.
"When you see a rattlesnake poised to strike, you do not wait until he strikes before taking action." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt, referring to the attack on the USS Greer.
Captain J.L. Foley, commander of the USS Greer, later recalled the attack, stating, "It was a thrilling experience, and one that I shall never forget."
Oberleutnant zur See Friedrich Wilhelm Rogge, commander of the U-652, reportedly believed that the attack on the USS Greer would lead to a declaration of war between Germany and the United States.
The attack on the USS Greer set a precedent for American involvement in World War II, paving the way for the country's entry into the conflict. It also marked a turning point in the Battle of the Atlantic, as the U.S. Navy began to take a more active role in convoy escort duties and anti-submarine warfare.
In conclusion, the attack on the USS Greer was a pivotal event in World War II, marking a significant shift in American involvement in the war and shaping the course of history.
As the USS Greer sailed through the North Atlantic, it was not just a ordinary convoy escort mission. The warship was part of a larger strategy to counter the German U-boat menace, which had been wreaking havoc on Allied shipping. The British Admiralty had requested American assistance in escorting convoys, and the USS Greer was one of the first ships to respond to this plea.
In the months leading up to the attack, German U-boats had sunk several American ships, including the SS Robin Moor, which was sunk in May 1941. These incidents had raised tensions between the United States and Germany, and the Roosevelt administration was under pressure to take a stronger stance against German aggression.
The USS Greer's patrol route took it through an area known as the "Mid-Ocean Gap", a region where Allied air cover was weak, making it a hotspot for U-boat activity. It was here that the U-652 lay in wait, its commander Oberleutnant zur See Rogge on the lookout for a target.
Oberleutnant zur See Friedrich Wilhelm Rogge was a seasoned U-boat commander, having sunk several ships during the early years of World War II. Born in 1913, Rogge joined the German Navy in 1933 and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a skilled and daring commander.
Rogge's U-652 was a Type VIIC U-boat, one of the most common types of German submarines during the war. With a crew of 45 men, the U-652 was a formidable predator, armed with 14 torpedoes and a deck gun.
Rogge's decision to attack the USS Greer was a calculated risk, as he knew that the ship was escorting a British convoy. However, he also believed that the attack would have significant strategic implications, drawing the United States further into the conflict.
The attack on the USS Greer marked a significant shift in American public opinion, galvanizing support for the war effort and paving the way for the country's entry into World War II. The incident was widely reported in the press, with newspapers across the country condemning German aggression.
In the aftermath of the attack, numerous patriotic rallies and events were held across the United States, with citizens rallying behind the flag and calling for stronger action against Germany.
The USS Greer's encounter with the U-652 also had a profound impact on American popular culture, inspiring numerous songs, films, and books about the incident and its aftermath.
The attack on the USS Greer was a major diplomatic incident, drawing the United States and Germany closer to open conflict. In response to the attack, President Roosevelt authorized the U.S. Navy to shoot on sight any German or Italian warship entering American defensive waters.
This policy shift had significant implications for the war effort, effectively ending the United States' policy of neutrality and drawing the country into the conflict.
The Roosevelt administration's response to the attack was widely praised by the British government, which had been pushing for stronger American action against Germany.
The USS Greer's encounter with the U-652 highlighted the importance of sonar technology in modern naval warfare. The ship's sonar systems played a crucial role in detecting the U-652, allowing the crew to respond quickly to the attack.
The incident also underscored the need for improved convoy escort tactics, as the USS Greer was forced to respond to the attack without the support of other ships.
The attack on the USS Greer led to significant advancements in anti-submarine warfare, with the U.S. Navy investing heavily in new technologies and tactics to counter the U-boat threat.