Today in World War II History—October 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: 80-G-28788)

80 Years Ago—Oct. 17, 1941: In Convoy SC-48 off Iceland, German U-boat U-568 torpedoes and damages 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.

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