USS Pillsbury (DE-133)

The USS Pillsbury (DE-133) was a Buckley-class destroyer escort of the United States Navy. She is most notable for her involvement in the capture of German submarine U-505 in June 1944.

Construction and Commissioning:

Pillsbury was laid down on November 15, 1942, by Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard, Inc., Hingham, Massachusetts; launched on February 13, 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Charles F. Pillsbury; and commissioned on May 29, 1943, Lieutenant Commander (later Commander) Charles E. Werenfells in command.

Service History:

Following shakedown, Pillsbury was assigned to escort duty in the Atlantic, protecting convoys from German U-boats. She operated primarily between the United States and North Africa, and later the Mediterranean.

Her most significant action occurred on June 4, 1944. Pillsbury, along with other ships of Task Group 22.3, led by Captain Daniel V. Gallery, located and attacked U-505 approximately 150 miles off the coast of Rio de Oro, West Africa. After a coordinated attack, including depth charges and strafing runs, U-505 was forced to surface. Pillsbury's boarding party, led by Lieutenant Albert L. David, boarded the U-boat while it was still underway and sinking. They successfully secured the U-boat, preventing its scuttling and seizing valuable Enigma coding machines and documents. This was the first time since 1815 that a U.S. Navy vessel had captured an enemy warship at sea. Lieutenant David posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Following the capture of U-505, Pillsbury continued with escort duties for the remainder of the war.

Post-War:

Pillsbury was decommissioned on January 11, 1946, and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on February 1, 1946. She was sold for scrap on July 17, 1947, to the Boston Metals Company of Baltimore, Maryland.

Honors and Awards:

USS Pillsbury received one battle star for her World War II service. The Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to Task Group 22.3 for the capture of U-505, of which Pillsbury was a part.

Legacy:

The capture of U-505 and the securing of its Enigma machine and codebooks provided a significant intelligence coup for the Allies. The U-505 itself is now a museum ship at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. It is the only German U-boat in the United States. The Pillsbury's role in this pivotal event ensures her place in naval history.