The Unlikely Battlefields of World War II: 7 U-Boats Sunk in American Waters
The sinking of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor is an infamous event in American history, but few know about the U-Boats that operated in American waters during World War II. The Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic coast, and even the Great Lakes were not immune to the reach of German U-Boats. Here, we will explore the stories of 7 U-Boats sunk in American waters, revealing a lesser-known chapter in the war’s history.
The Gulf of Mexico: A Surprising Battleground
The Gulf of Mexico, with its vital oil ports and shipping lanes, became a key target for German U-Boats. Several U-Boats operated in the region, attempting to disrupt the supply of oil to the Allies.
- U-507: Sunk on January 13, 1943, off the coast of Florida, this U-Boat had been responsible for sinking several American ships, including the tanker “Empire Mica”. The U-507 was eventually discovered and sunk by the USS PC-566, a US Navy patrol craft.
- U-166: This U-Boat was sunk on July 30, 1942, off the coast of Louisiana. The USS PC-566 again played a key role in the sinking, using depth charges to destroy the U-166.
The Atlantic Coast: A Deadly Hunt
The Atlantic coast of the United States was another key battleground in the fight against German U-Boats. Several U-Boats were sunk off the coast of North Carolina, New York, and Massachusetts.
- U-85: Sunk on April 14, 1942, off the coast of North Carolina, this U-Boat had been operating in the area for several weeks, attempting to sink American ships. The USS Roper, a US Navy destroyer, finally discovered and sunk the U-85.
- U-352: This U-Boat was sunk on May 9, 1942, off the coast of North Carolina. The USS Icarus, a US Navy patrol craft, used depth charges to destroy the U-352.
- U-701: Sunk on June 7, 1942, off the coast of North Carolina, this U-Boat had been responsible for sinking several American ships. The USS PC-565, a US Navy patrol craft, finally discovered and sunk the U-701.
The Great Lakes: An Unlikely Theater of War
The Great Lakes, connecting the United States and Canada, were not immune to the reach of German U-Boats. One U-Boat, U-505, operated in the region, but was eventually sunk off the coast of Lake Michigan.
- U-505: Sunk on June 4, 1944, off the coast of Lake Michigan, this U-Boat had been captured by the US Navy in 1944. The U-505 was later used for intelligence purposes and is now on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
Conclusion
The stories of these 7 U-Boats sunk in American waters highlight the little-known battles fought on the home front during World War II. The bravery and sacrifice of the sailors and airmen who served on the US Navy patrol craft and destroyers that sunk these U-Boats will always be remembered. Their actions played a crucial role in protecting American shipping lanes and oil supplies, ultimately contributing to the Allied victory.
What was the primary goal of German U-Boats operating in American waters?
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The primary goal of German U-Boats operating in American waters was to disrupt the supply of oil to the Allies by sinking American tankers and cargo ships.
How many U-Boats were sunk in American waters during World War II?
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At least 7 U-Boats were sunk in American waters during World War II, with several more damaged or captured.
What role did the US Navy play in sinking German U-Boats in American waters?
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The US Navy played a crucial role in sinking German U-Boats in American waters, with patrol craft and destroyers using depth charges and other tactics to destroy the U-Boats.
Related Terms:
- U boat wrecks East Coast
- U boats in the Mediterranean
- U boat Diving
- U 505
- U 166
- u 1105
