What was the first US Navy ship sunk during WW2?

The Reuben James was sunk on October 31, 1941 off Iceland by a German U-Boat. The Panay was sunk by the Japanese in 1937 before the beginning of WW2 on Sept 1, 1939. The Arizona sank in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 and the Houston was sunk in early 1942. There was a song composed about the Reuben James and performed by Woodie Gutherie.

More Info: fas.org

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5 Comments

Dane Lyons

Susan McInnis Paradis, Then the correct answer should be USS Houston. The other three were sunk prior to a declaration of war by the US.

Susan McInnis Paradis

Phillip McCullough, , the key word here is "during" WWII. Pearl Harbor was before the US entered the war.

Richard D. Boyle

Phillip McCullough, The Reuben James was sunk in October of 1941. Well before Pearl Harbor which was December 7, 1941 including the USS Arizona. We declared war on Dec 8, 1941 but WW II had been going on since September of 1939.