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.
[…] 75 Years Ago—Oct. 27, 1941: On Navy Day, President Roosevelt asks Congress to allow arming of US merchant ships (after USS Kearny torpedoed by U-boat 10/17). […]