USS Vulcan (AR-5)-- Part 2: USS Kearny Torpedoed Before the War Started for the U.S.

The HMS Tirpitz did not sortie but, U-boats were causing all sorts of problems with Allied shipping.  By the fall of 1941, U.S. destroyers were actively engaged in protecting convoys, but turned their charges they were protecting over to British ships at the MOMP (Mid Ocean Meeting Point)  On 4 September, the USS Grier narrowly missed being torpedoed.

On 17 October 1941, the USS Kearny  (DD-432) was torpedoed by U-568 while guarding Convoy SC-48.  The ship was able to get back to Reykjavik, but with a huge hole in its side and 11 sailors dead.

The Vulcan provided timely and effective assistance to the stricken ship.  Permanent repair facilities, like a dry dock, were unavailable, so the Kearny pulled up alongside the Vulcan and her port side was flooded to raise the torpedo hole above water.

In short order, the damaged hull had been cut away and a patch  placed on it.   By Christmas 1941, the Kearny was able to sail to the east coast of the U.S. for permanent repairs.

--GreGen