Escoheag in Exeter in Washington County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
U.S. Navy Armed Guard Memorial
Photographed By Don Morfe, May 27, 2013
1. U.S. Navy Armed Guard Memorial Marker
The division of the U.S. Navy that dealt with the protection of merchant vessels from attacks by submarines and aircraft was known as the Armed Guard.
The armament of the merchant vessels started with one gun in World War I, but was increased to 2 large guns (3”, 4”, or 5”) and 6 to 8 20 mm guns in World War II.
The Navy gun crew for a cargo ship consisted of a Commanding Officer, radiomen, signalmen and gunners. These selected men received intense thorough and demanding training.
The combination of armament and special well trained men stopped the attacks on merchant vessels. By the end of the World War II, the Armed Guard with a personnel of 144,970, was protecting over 6,236 ships. Losses due to enemy action were 1.810 men killed, 27 men were taken prisoner and 19,880 men survived 710 torpedoed ships. The Armed Guard was a major factor in the winning of World War II.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the US Navy Armed Guard series list.
Location. 41° 32.733′ N, 71° 32.15′ W. Marker is in Exeter, Rhode Island, in Washington County. It is in Escoheag. Memorial is on South County Trail (Cemetery
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. We Aim-To Deliver (a few steps from this marker); Lonely Lookout Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Armed Services Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); 43d Infantry Division Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Address by President Abraham Lincoln (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jewish War Veterans (approx. ¼ mile away); Rhode Island National Guard (approx. 0.3 miles away); Medal of Honor-Honor Roll (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Exeter.
Photographed By Don Morfe, May 27, 2013
2. U.S. Navy Armed Guard Memorial Marker
This marker is the third marker on the right side.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 555 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
