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Sunk the First American Warship (WWII)
TOPP, Erich (1914-2005) Third most successful German U-Boat Commander of WWII. Recipient of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. He sunk 35 ships. Topp joined the Nazi Party in 1933. He became a Rear Admiral of the German Navy. He is noted for the sinking of the destroyer USS Reuben James on October 31, 1941. This was the first USN warship to be lost. On December 11, 1941 Hitler declared war on the United States. Topp was very critical of his superior Karl Donitz. At one time Donitz greeted Topp with a question: “I, understand you think I should have been executed?” Very scarce autograph letter signed, one very full page, on the letterhead of the Hotel Inter Continental, Manila. Bonn, 22.2.77. In English, Topp writes: “Dear Wayne Koch, To answer your letter: The ‘Reuben James’ has been protecting a convoy, she was in war-action according to the international law. She became a complete loss, not because of the hit of two torpedoes, but as a consequence of exploding all of her depth-charges that had been prepared for attacking German submarines-though the USA at that time were not at war. Sincerely Erich Topp.” Incredible, historical content letter worthy of placement in a museum. In fine condition................$475.00
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