1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 The action of 27 March 1942 was a naval encounter between the United States and Germany during World War II in the Atlantic Ocean.

While patrolling 300 nmi (560 km; 350 mi) off Norfolk, Virginia, an American Q-ship encountered a U-boat and a short surface engagement ensued.

[1][2][3] USS Atik (Lieutenant Commander Harry Lynnwood Hicks), was originally a merchantman named SS Carolyn which was converted to a Q-ship after America's entry into World War II.

The American machine gunners were successful, the U-boat's conning tower was slightly damaged and a German midshipman was mortally wounded.

[1][2][3] Immediately after the Americans opened fire, Hardegen ordered his deck gun into action and fled out of Atik's range before diving but at 21:29 U-123 attacked again to finish the Q-ship off.