While escorting convoy HX-156 to Great Britain, a U-boat sank US frigate Reuben James, 10/30/1941 (US time. It was actually 2am, the 31st near the Iceland coast where it happened.) [thanx Steve Sufett])
[Note that Pearl Harbor is not until Dec 7th].

It was torpedoed and sunk with the loss of 115 of 160 crewmen, including all officers. Although not the first U.S. Navy ship torpedoed before the war, the Reuben James was the first one lost. Did you have a friend on it?

          Tell me what were their names, tell me what were their names,
          Did you have a friend on the good Reuben James?
          What were their names, tell me what were their names,
          Did you have a friend on the good Reuben James?
  
                  "The Sinking of the Reuben James" by Woody Guthrie 
                  (tune: "Wildwood Flower")[thanx "Joe Offer] 

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