About this Unit
The US Navy Armed Guard was a special branch of the United States Navy established during World War II to protect merchant ships from enemy attack. Created in 1941, the Armed Guard consisted of Navy personnel assigned to operate the defensive guns and communications equipment aboard American and Allied merchant vessels. Facing threats from German U-boats, aircraft, and surface raiders, the Armed Guard played a critical role in ensuring vital supplies reached their destinations across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Despite harsh conditions and high casualty rates, members of the Navy Armed Guard contributed significantly to the Allied war effort by safeguarding the maritime supply lines.
Historical Facts
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Unique Role: The US Navy Armed Guard was a special unit created during World War II to protect merchant ships from enemy submarines and aircraft, providing vital defense to the supply lines.
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Established in 1941: The Armed Guard was officially established in September 1941, just before the US entered WWII, in response to increasing attacks on merchant shipping.
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Manned by Sailors: Unlike regular naval warships, Armed Guard crews were Navy sailors assigned to civilian-manned merchant vessels, including Liberty Ships and tankers.
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Massive Deployment: Over 144,970 sailors served in the Armed Guard during WWII, manning guns on over 6,236 merchant ships throughout the conflict.
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Heavy Casualties: The Armed Guard suffered significant losses—over 1,810 killed and 27 missing in action, with more wounded or taken prisoner, reflecting the dangerous nature of their duty.
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Improvised Defenses: Early in the war, many merchant ships were poorly equipped, so the Armed Guard often had to improvise with outdated weapons or even borrowed Army anti-aircraft guns.
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Famous Engagements: Armed Guard crews played key roles in defending convoys during the Battle of the Atlantic, the Murmansk Runs to the Soviet Union, and the invasions of Sicily, Normandy, and the Pacific islands.
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Notable Bravery: Many Armed Guard sailors received awards for valor, including the Navy Cross, Silver Star, and Distinguished Service Medal. Some fought off repeated air and submarine attacks despite overwhelming odds.
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Integrated Crew Life: Armed Guard sailors lived and worked alongside civilian merchant mariners, sharing the cramped, hazardous conditions on long voyages.
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Legacy: After WWII, the Armed Guard was disbanded, but their contributions are commemorated by memorials and associations, and their story is a testament to the crucial, often overlooked, role of protecting the lifelines of war.
