USS Magpie (AMS-25)

USS "Magpie" (AMS-26/YMS-400) was a YMSsub|135 built for the United States Navy during World War II.

History

"Magpie" was laid down as "YMS-400" by Henry B. Nevins, Inc., City Island, New York, New York, 3 July 1942; launched 24 March 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Marie Norby; and commissioned 15 May 1943, Lt. Alan G. Lynn, USNR, in command.

The new auxiliary motor minesweeper departed Staten Island for Norfolk, Virginia, 1 June, via the Chesapeake Bay; served briefly at Yorktown, Virginia; and escorted three merchant ships from Norfolk to Miami, Florida, arriving 27 June. She continued on to Key West, Florida, arriving the 30th.

"YMS 400" reported to the Caribbean Sea frontier 2 July and the next day escorted a convoy to Cuba, arriving Guantánamo Bay the 6th. She spent the next 2 years on escort and patrol duties in the Caribbean out of Curaçao, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad.

Following the Japanese surrender, the auxiliary motor minesweeper arrived at the Panama Canal Zone 10 September 1945 for 6 months of minesweeping. "YMS 400" was named USS "Magpie" and reclassified AMS-25 on 17 February 1947. For the next 3 years, based at Guam, she continued sweeping duties interspersed with practice exercises in the Marshall, Caroline, and Palau Islands.

"Magpie" was operating out of Apra Harbor, Guam, at the outset of the Korean War. With hostilities in full fire, "Magpie" began minesweeping duty off Korea in September. On 1 October, while operating off the east coast of Korea with sister ship USS|Merganser|AMS-26|2, "Magpie" struck a floating mine 2 miles off Chusan Po, and sank. Twenty one of her crew including the commanding officer, Lt. (jg.) Warren R. Person were never found. "Merganser" picked up the 12 survivors and transported them to Pusan.

"Magpie" was struck from the Navy list 20 October 1950.

Awards and honors

"Magpie" received one battle star for Korean service.

References

*

See also

* List of United States Navy ships

External links

*
* [http://www.koreanwar-educator.org/topics/branch_accounts/navy/uss_magpie/p_magpie.htm Casualty List & Action Report] from sinking of "Magpie"