The Sinking of USS Reuben James

Allright people, today I come to you with a story, But not any story... this is about a ship, 159 brave crew members, and their fate. (For a better effect, listen to this song by: Woody Guthrie- The sinking of Reuben James its cool, if you like country. link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1U5ngze280&feature=related

The Reuben James was named after Boatswain's Mate Reuben James (c.1776–1838), who fought in the Barbary Wars. This ship was the first to get hit by hostile action in the WWII, torpedoed by a submarine when it was returning from a convoy to provide the British with weapons.

"Reuben James was hit forward by a torpedo and her entire bow was blown off when a magazine exploded. The bow sank immediately. The aft section floated for five minutes before going down. Of the 159-man crew, only 44 survived."

(fan)video of the sinking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hzAX0p_0Xw&feature=related

(I think I like that song so I'm just gonna post the lyrics it kind of describes what went on in the sinking of the Reuben James)

The Sinking Of The Reuben James

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.

Tell me what were their names, tell me what were their names,
Did you have a friend on the good Reuben James?
What were their names, tell me, what were their names?
Did you have a friend on the good Reuben James

Well, a hundred men went down in that dark watery grave
When that good ship went down only forty-four were saved.
'Twas the last day of October we saved the forty-four
From the cold ocean waters and the cold icy shore.

It was there in the dark of that uncertain night
That we watched for the U-boats and waited for a fight.
Then a whine and a rock and a great explosion roared
And they laid the Reuben James on that cold ocean floor.

Now tonight there are lights in our country so bright
In the farms and in the cities they're telling of the fight.
And now our mighty battleships will steam the bounding main
And remember the name of that good Reuben James.


Well I hope you like this topic. Thanks and good night.