USS Joseph Hewes (AP-50)

USS "Joseph Hewes" (AP-50) was a "Joseph Hewes"-class transport. She was built in 1930, acquired 8 January 1942, by the U.S. Navy for use in World War II, and was assigned the task of transporting troops to and from battle areas. She was sunk by a German torpedo along the North African coast.

"Joseph Hewes", formerly Excalibur, was built in 1930 by the New York Shipbuilding Co., Camden, New Jersey; acquired by the Navy 8 January 1942; and commissioned 1 May 1942, Captain Robert McL. Smith in command.

World War II North Atlantic operations

After conversion and fitting out, "Joseph Hewes" sortied from Hampton Roads 24 October with the Center Attack Group of Admiral Hewitt's Western Naval Task Force en route to French Morocco. She was carrying 80 officers and 1,074 men of the reinforced 3rd Division, U.S. Army, plus vehicles and supplies.

North Africa operations

The transport arrived off Fedhala 8 November, by 0705 landed all troops, and then commenced unloading ammunition and supplies. By 11 November "Joseph Hewes" had completed unloading and had received 30 casualties from the beach.

Struck by a torpedo

At 1950 she took a torpedo hit in No. 2 hold from U-173. The transport settled by the bow and began filling rapidly with water. Captain Smith endeavored to pick up anchor or slip chain but, as the entire forecastle was under water, this was not possible. He then attempted to beach the ship by backing engines but her propeller was out of the water, so the order was given to abandon ship.

Abandon ship

"Joseph Hewes" went down at 2032, taking Captain Smith and several seamen with her. By his coolness, calmness, and his devotion to duty in placing the safety of the crew and ship before his own, he instilled confidence in every officer and member of the crew. The U-173 paid heavily for her victory, for she was sunk 5 days later off Casablanca by American destroyers. "Joseph Hewes" received one battle star for World War II service.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/j4/joseph_hewes.htm

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/22/22050.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - AP-50 Joseph Hewes]