Today in World War II History—Oct. 17, 1941

Destroyer USS Kearny at Reykjavik, Iceland, 19 October 1941, two days after being torpedoed by U-568; destroyer USS Monssen is alongside; note the torpedo hole. (US Naval History and Heritage Command)

75 Years Ago—Oct. 17, 1941: In Convoy SC-48 off Iceland, U-568 torpedoes destroyer USS Kearny; first US casualties of the war—11 killed, 22 wounded. U-boats sink seven other ships in Convoy SC-48.

US Army Air Force establishes Air Service Command (supply and maintenance) under Brig. Gen. Henry Miller at Wright Field, OH.