What Was the Reuben James? Why did Woodie Guthrie Write a Song About It?

The USS Reuben James was a Clemson-class destroyer commissioned in 1920, known for its role during World War II and famous for being the first American warship sunk in the conflict before the U.S. officially entered the war. It was torpedoed by U-552 on October 31, 1941, resulting in the deaths of most of its crew, with only 44 survivors from 144 on board. The sinking drew significant attention and was commemorated in a song by Woody Guthrie.

1. “Have you heard of a ship called the good Reuben James, Manned by hard fighting men both of honor and fame?” SUNK OVER A MONTH BEFORE PEARL HARBOR

2. The USS Reuben James was a Clemson-class destroyer, built just after World War I in 1919. Clemson-class, also known as four stackers, were the most common destroyer ever built by the US Navy, with 156 built, until the Fletcher-class in World War II.

3. It was armed with 4, four-inch guns, and 12 torpedo tubes. It also carried depth charges for anti-submarine warfare. The USS Reuben James was commissioned on 24 September 1920.

4. The ship was named after Reuben James, a sailor who gained fame for stepping in front of Lieutenant Decatur during a battle in the Barbary Wars and taking a sword blow to the head that was intended for Decatur, who went on to gain great fame in the Navy.

5. Interestingly, it appears in retrospect, that story might be in error and another man actually took the blow.

6. In 1921, she helped escort the remains of the Unknown Soldier of World War I from Europe back to the United States.

7. The Reuben James was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Heywood L. Edwards. A 1926 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Heywood had wrestled in the 1928 Summer Olympics, placing 4th in the light heavyweight division.

8. Prior to the outbreak of World War II, she was assigned to the Neutrality Patrol, escorting convoys sailing to Great Britain. They escorted as far as Iceland, whereupon, security was taken over by British ships.

9. 23 October 1941, she was one of five destroyers escorting convoy HX 156 from Newfoundland. As they approached Iceland and the handoff, they were required to spend an extra day in order to insure the task was completed.

10. On 31 October 1941, Hallows Eve, the USS Reuben James was torpedoed by U-552, commanded by Erich Topp.

11. The torpedo hit the port bow, detonating the forward magazine, blasting the destroyer in two. Every officer was killed.

12. The ship went down quickly. Of 144 on board, there were 44 survivors.

13. Due to the fact that the United States was not at war, the sinking caused a large outcry. However, it was not until 7 December, over 5 weeks later, that the United States entered World War II.

14. Woody Guthrie wrote a song, The Sinking of the Reuben James.

15. “ Have you heard of a ship called the good Reuben James Manned by hard fighting men both of honor and fame? She flew the Stars and Stripes of the land of the free But tonight she's in her grave at the bottom of the sea. ” Woody Guthrie

16. But what if the Reuben James encounter with U-552 turns out to be something altogether different?

17. Travel back in time to 1941, aboard the first American warship to be sunk in World War II, even before the United States was officially at war.

18. 31 October. Hallows Eve 1517 1692 1828 1941 1984 Zero Year What do they all have in common? A day when history stood in the balance.

19. New York Times bestselling author, is a graduate of West Point and former Green Beret. He’s had over 90 books published, including the #1 bestselling series Green Berets, Time Patrol, Area 51, and Atlantis. He’s sold over 5 million books. He was born in the Bronx and has traveled the world. He’s lived on an island off the east coast, an island off the west coast, in the Rocky Mountains, the Smoky Mountains and other places, including time in East Asia studying martial arts. They haven’t caught him yet. www.bobmayer.com