Today in World War II History—October 31, 1941

Art print depicting the sinking of the USS Reuben James (DD-245) on 31 Oct 1941, created by Griffiths Bailey Coale, who witnessed the event (US Naval History and Heritage Command: NH 86699-KN)
80 Years Ago—Oct. 31, 1941: Destroyer USS Reuben James is sunk by German U-boat U-552 in Convoy HX-156 off Iceland—the first US warship lost during WWII; 115 killed.
Mount Rushmore is completed after 14 years of work.
Britain warns that putting out carved Halloween turnips will result in blackout fines.

Destroyer USS Reuben James (DD-245) on the Hudson River, New York, 29 April 1939 (US Navy photo: NH 66334)