Image: Smithsonian Institution Archives - SIA2007-0163 (cropped)

Description: USS Frederick C. Davis (DE-136), the last warship lost in the European Theater in World War II. It was one of 563 such escort vessels produced in American shipyards. Commissioned at Orange, Texas, in July 1943, she proceeded to Washington, D.C., where she was fitted with radio wave jamming equipment for service in the Mediterranean. During operations off the coast of North Africa and the Anzio beachhead, "Davis" foiled numerous Luftwaffe attacks, jamming radio-controlled bombing runs on Allied shipping and downing eight Axis bombers Refitted in New York in 1944, "Davis" took part in Operation Teardrop in the spring of 1945, being the only U.S. warship lost in that successful barrier operation against the last wolfpack sortie against the East Coast. (Philip K. B. Lundeberg 10/04/2006). Smithsonian Curator Philip K. B. Lundeberg was aboard the ship when it sank. He first probed "Operation Teardrop" events in May 1945 interviewing fellow survivors of Frederick C. Davis DE-136 prior to preparation of numerous condolence letters and its final action report Full description
Title: Smithsonian Institution Archives - SIA2007-0163 (cropped)
Credit: Smithsonian Institution Archives
Author: Smithsonian Institution Archives
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
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