The Ruthless Destroyer that Blasted America's First WW2 Shots



August 3rd, 1942. As the sun set over the South Pacific, the Mahan-class destroyer USS Tucker carefully navigated toward the island of Espiritu Santo. Having boldly initiated the brave American defense at Pearl Harbor, she was now charged with the highly important mission of escorting a cargo ship as she delivered crucial provisions to Allied forces eagerly preparing for their upcoming epic showdown with the Japanese Empire at Guadalcanal.

Tucker and her crew steamed through the Segond Channel, their destination so close they could almost taste it. But out of the blue, a deafening blast shattered the tranquility of the tropical waters.

Tucker sustained severe damage and was forced to signal for assistance from the nearby SS Nira Luckenbach. However, as the race began to save what remained afloat, the identity of the unseen enemy remained a mystery, prompting the crew to brace for a potential subsequent onslaught…

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22 thoughts on “The Ruthless Destroyer that Blasted America's First WW2 Shots”

  1. Well, I gave you a like, but; sorry, this is not correct. Before the Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, the Wickes class destroyer USS Ward depth-charged, SHOT, and sank a Japanese miniature sub trying to enter the harbor. Although other American destroyers in the Atlantic may or may not have shot at German U-Boats prior to December 7, 1941, we technically were not at war with Germany – yet. So, the first shot honors have to go to the USS Ward… But certainly no disrespect to the USS Tucker intended.

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