USS Jacob Jones: The First US Navy Destroyer Lost in Combat

The first US Navy destroyer to be lost in combat was the USS Jacob Jones, sunk by the German submarine SM U-53 6 December, 1917. The ship's brief history, and its loss- the only US destroyer lost during the great war- represented the risks faced by, and heroism of, the men of the US Navy in that war.

Check out our new shop for fun The History Guy merchandise:

This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.

You can purchase the bow tie worn in this episode at The Tie Bar:

All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.

Find The History Guy at:

The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.

Awesome The History Guy merchandise is available at:

Script by THG

#history #thehistoryguy #WWI

[michaelbentsen]

My uncle Lawrence A. Hansen was a 17 year old crew member on watch duty in the crow's nest at the time of the torpedo attack. While exiting his position, he fell part way onto the deck splitting open both knees. He was able to make it to a raft on which 23 other survivors would find refuge. Two of the 23 would die during the coming hours before rescue by the British vessel Camellia. The ship had been on a search mission after receiving a wireless message sent by Captain Rose. His recollections about his experiences still fill my memories. He was a true "salt of the sea" & I am proud to be his nephew

[honodle]

The testament at the very end was moving. Well done.

[seththomas]

RIP and honor to all salors aboard.

The History Guy is a Top Ten YT site for me. Period.

[skydiverclassc]

I've always felt (and some of the quotes herein show this) that WWI signaled the death of the Victorian ideal that war and combat was a noble endeavor and that opposing armies (and navies) held that battles were just extensions of sporting events in which everyone would shake hands at the end.

[paulthompson]

My dad's father helped build this ship at New York shipyard in Camden NJ

[ttfnow]

My husband served in the navy on an ammunition ship. Although we were not at war, I always worried about an accident that would surely be catastrophic. Thankfully, he served his country well and came home safely.
Thank you, History Guy, for all of your hard work in finding these rare stories and sharing them with us.

[bw]

Back in 1973 I met an older gentleman who worked on what he called 4 pipiers as a dockyard worker. He said they were much easier to repair since they had straight steam lines without cross piping and valves to allow that type of pipe work.

[Mtlmshr]

I may have stated this before but I have used your videos to help me along on very long road trips, by listening to them it help make the trips go by faster and I learned something along the way, thanks for doing what you do!

[johnmadden]

Seasons greetings, Lance.
thank you for all you do !

[RetiredSailor]

RIP Shipmates from a retired Tin Can Sailor; USS Semmes DDG 18 1983-84 and USS Kinkaid DD 965 1987-89

[billyrodriguez]

Another chapter of history that was worthy to be remembered. You never cease to amaze us and I feel honored to be a proud subscriber to your channel!!!!

[ganndeber]

An informative and well presented video. Nice one.

[Silas-et]

Thank you again History Guy, US Navy 🇺🇲

[Thesaturn]

the 2nd Jacob Jones was sunk off the shore of NJ

[larrybell]

Oh my ……. I never expected to be choked up during a history guy video…..thank you

[Orangefan]

Well of all the things I didn't expect this morning, a reference to the Rome NY Daily Sentinel!

[frankgulla]

Thank you, THG for another story of gallantry and bravery upon the high seas.

[CAMacKenzie]

USS Jacob Jones (DD-130), sunk Feb.28, 1942, was laid down Feb.21, 1918, 2 months and 15 days after the sinking of USS Jacob Jones (DD-61).

[MrCellophane]

Eternal Father, strong to save,
*_Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, _*
*_Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep_*
*_Its own appointed limits keep, _*
*_O hear us when we cry to thee_*
*_For those in peril on the sea!_*

[Law]

Love this channel! I share you on my discord channel regardless if my friends watch it or not. You're too good at what you do to not share. Thank you!