1st Report:

UNITED STATES FLEET
UNITED STATES NAVAL FORCES IN EUROPE
20 GROSVENOR SQUARE
LONDON W-1

SECRET
                                                                                                             June 9, 1944.

MEMORANDUM FOR:      Admiral Stark.

Subj:         Loss of USS CORRY (DD-463) by Enemy Action on 6 June 1944.

1. It is reported that the USS CORRY proceeded into the Fire Support
Area assigned, UTAH Beach, in company with USS FITCH and USS HOBSON,
arriving at Station 3 at approximately H–50.  While enroute thereto, it
was observed that the FITCH was being fired upon by shore batteries.  In
answer to the shelling the FITCH commenced firing, immediately followed
by this vessel.  After approximately 15 minutes of firing counter battery
fire, firing was commenced on assigned numbered targets adjacent to the
beachhead. While firing on these numbered targets, batteries previously
assumed to be silenced resumed firing on this vessel.  Rapid continuous
fire was then reopened on the principal battery firing on this vessel and
evasive movements were used within the confines of the assigned fire support
station.  At approximately H-hour, CORRY was hit by a salvo of two or three
8" projectiles that detonated in the engineering spaces and broke the keel,
causing the immediate flooding of one engineroom, one fireroom, the
subsequent flooding of the other fireroom, and the breaking in half of
the vessel.  An attempt was made to clear the area to estimate damage but
all electric power was lost, and the rudder was jammed, causing the ship
to go in a circle until stopped.  When the main deck was awash word was
given to prepare to abandon ship, and then followed a few minutes there-
after by the word to abandon ship.

2. After abandoning ship the crew endeavored to swim towards St. Marcouf
Islands but were held close to the ship by the current for a period of
almost two hours.  During this time they were subjected to continuous
shelling by the shore batteries, causing further casualties.  Personnel
were rescued principally by the FITCH and HOBSON, who, while rescueing
CORRY personnel, maintained a steady fire upon the beach.  Out of a comple-
ment of 19 officers, 1 officer was killed and 1 officer is missing; out of
a complement of 245 men, 54 are missing, some of whom are known dead.
 

                                                                                                   Respectfully,

                                                                               George D. Hoffman,
                                                                       Lieutenant Commander, U.S.N.,
                                                                            Commanding USS CORRY

2nd Report:

Subject: USS CORRY - Sinking of.

            1.      Based on interview of Lt. R. M. Allan, USNR of Lt. Comdr.
HOFFMAN, CO of USS CORRY.

            1.      The CORRY was hit by 2 x 6"–8" projectiles from a land battery
at approximately 0630, 6 June 1944, while on her assigned bombardment
station inshore of the ISLES of ST. MARCOUF.

            2.      The CORRY sank quickly following the 2 hits.

            3.      NARRATIVE

                    While on the way to her assigned position before 0530B (app-
roximately), the CORRY noticed a battery, bearing 256°T from the CORRY'S
assigned position, firing on the USS FITCH ahead of her.
                    The CORRY opened fire on the battery and at about 0605 the
battery ceased firing. The CORRY then started firing on her assigned tar-
gets, #80 (12 salvos) and #82 (10 salvos).  At that point the initial
attacking land battery, or another, but located to the right of targets
#80 and #82, resumed firing on the CORRY. The battery fired in 2 and 3 gun
salvos, and, at times, in only 1 gun salvos. The CORRY replied with con-
tinuous fire. When the battery began to get the CORRY'S range, Lt. Cdr.
HOFFMAN gave orders for 30 knots speed, full right rudder. Immediately
following, the CORRY was hit by 2 6"–8" projectiles, 1 hit the Fire Room
the other one Engine Room.  This was at about 0630 (H-hour).
                    All steam was lost and the CORRY was left circling without
power. The 2 projectiles caused an immediate loss of power, immediate
flooding of 1 engine room the almost immediate flooding of 1 fire room,
and broke the ship in 2 by severing the keel.
                    The CORRY was immediately abandoned.  The battery continued
fire on the CORRY; a hit was scored on the CORRY'S fantail as she was
sinking, and hits in the water caused numerous personnel casualties. The
hit on the fantail struck the smoke generators and released a great deal
of smoke which harassed the survivors in the water.  No depth charges ex-
ploded, and the torpedoes were only partially pushed out of the tubes by
the ship's bending in two.
                    The USS FITCH rescued most of the survivors.
                    Lt. Comdr. HOFFMAN estimates (roughly) that 1 and possibly 2
officers were killed, 12 men were killed; about 2 officers and 50 men were
injured. 

         4.        SECURITY

                    The CORRY sank in water having a depth of 3–4 fathoms, 5,000
yards offshore.  Lt. Cdr. HOFFMAN advises that measures be taken to ensure
equipment and papers on board do not fall into the hands of the enemy.
At low water part of the CORRY'S hull lies out.