USS Corry
1941 Gleaves-class destroyer
Vessel Wikidata
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The USS Corry (DD-463) was a Gleaves-class destroyer built for the United States Navy, launched on July 28, 1941, at Charleston Navy Yard and commissioned on December 18, 1941. Named after Lieutenant Commander William M. Corry, Jr., the ship served as a vital part of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet during World War II. She measured approximately 348 feet in length with a beam of 36.4 feet and displaced around 1,630 tons standard. Her armament included five 5-inch guns, anti-aircraft weapons, and torpedo tubes, optimized for escort, patrol, and combat operations. Initially, Corry conducted special operations, including escorting RMS Queen Elizabeth into New York Harbor and patrolling off Newfoundland and the Caribbean. She participated in the North African landings in Casablanca as part of the screen for the aircraft carrier Ranger and later operated with the British Home Fleet, covering Arctic convoys to Norway and Iceland. Notably, she engaged in hunter-killer operations in the Atlantic, sinking the German U-boat U-801 after a depth charge attack in March 1944, and rescued survivors from other sunk U-boats, including U-1059. Corry played a significant role in the Normandy invasion, acting as the lead destroyer escort for the invasion force. She was stationed off Utah Beach for fire support during the initial assault. During H-hour, Corry was heavily engaged under enemy fire, maneuvering close to shore and firing her 5-inch guns. She sustained multiple hits from German 210mm shells, which jammed her rudder, causing her to lose steering and begin sinking. Despite efforts to abandon ship, she settled on the seabed, with her main mast remaining above water. Approximately 24 crew members were killed, and 60 wounded in the attack. Corry was officially credited with sinking U-801 and received four battle stars for her service. Her loss was initially reported as shell fire damage but later attributed to a mine explosion, with German records suggesting a direct hit from shore batteries. Corry's valorous service, including her actions during the Normandy landings, underscores her maritime significance as a resilient and active combatant in crucial WWII operations.
This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.