When the U-587 set sail from France in February 1942 under Capt. Ernst Rehwinkel, it was one of the most technologically advanced weapons afloat. With a range of 8,500 miles and four bow torpedo tubes, it was selected to be part of Operation Drumbeat, Hitler’s plan to bring World War II to America. On the 27th the U-587 succeeded by torpedoing the Standard Oil tanker R.P. Resor within sight of the Jersey Shore. The U-boat then sailed south past Barnegat Light, looking for more victims.
When word of the attack reached the headquarters of the U.S.
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