USS EDWARD RUTLEDGE (AP-52)

USS Edward Rutledge was named after Edward Rutledge, a signer of the Declaration of Independence

Last updated June 2009

General Specifications

Type	Windsor-class attack transport
Displacement	14,340 tons
Length	475 ft
Beam	62 ft
Draft	26 ft (7.9 m)
Propulsion	Steam Turbine
Speed	16 kt
Armament	one single 5"/38 dual purpose gun mount; four single 3"/50 dual purpose gun mounts; eight single 20 mm AA gun mounts
Built By	New York Shipbuilding Company

USS Edward Rutledge (AP-52)

USS Edward Rutledge (AP-52) was built in 1931 by New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, N.J., as the SS Exeter (I); transferred to the Navy from the Maritime Commission 7 January 1942; converted by Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Tampa, Fla.; and commissioned 18 April 1942, Captain M. W. Hutchinson, Jr., in command.

Edward Rutledge sailed from Tampa, Florida, in convoy 13 May 1942 to Norfolk, Virginia. She operated in Chesapeake Bay training soldiers for the invasion of North Africa. Departing Hampton Roads 24 October, she landed troops at Fedhala, French Morocco, on 8 November, and lay off the beach unloading her cargo with two lifeboats, the only boats remaining after the assault.

On 12 November, at Fedhala, Morocco, she was torpedoed by U-130 commanded by Ernst Kals who slipped past the escort screen to sink three transports. Edward Rutledge's crew attempted to beach her but all power had been lost; she settled rapidly by the stern and sank with the loss of 15 men.

USS Edward Rutledge received one battle star for World War II service

Edward Rutledge, Patriot

Born: November 23, 1749; Birthplace: Charleston, S.C.; Education: Graduate of Oxford, Studied at Middle Temple (London), Member of the English Bar (Lawyer); Work: State Legislator, Representative to the Continental Congress, 1774-76, 1779; Captain, Charleston Battalion of Artillery, 1776-1779; State legislator, 1782-1796; College of Electors, 1788, 1792, 1796; Elected Governor for South Carolina, 1798; Died: January 23, 1800

Born to an aristocratic Family in South Carolina, Edward Rutledge was perhaps destined to a life of Public service. He was educated in law at Oxford and studied for and was admitted to the English Bar. He and his brother John were both engaged in the law, and both attended the congress. They supported each other unabashedly, both on the floor and in committee. Edward attended Congress at the remarkable age of 27, and was no doubt pretty excited to find himself in the company of the most eminent men of the colonies.

He took leave of Congress in November of 1776 to join the defense of his colony. He was a member of the Charleston Battalion of Artillery, engaged in several important battles, and attained the rank of Captain. The colonial legislature sent him back to Congress in 1779 to fill a vacancy. He took his leave again in 1780 when the British conducted a third invasion of South Carolina. He resumed his post as Captain in the defense of Charleston, was captured and held prisoner until July of 1781.

In 1782 he returned to the legislature of his native state, where he served until 1796. He was a very active member, intent on the prosecution of British Loyalists. At times he served on as many nineteen committees. He also served as an elector, in 1788, 1792, and in 1796 when, despite his avowed allegiance to the Federalist party, he voted for Thomas Jefferson. He was then elected to the state Senate, twice, and in 1789 was elected Governor. This would be his last office. His health declining, he was barely able to complete his term as Governor. He died in January of 1800 at the age of 50.

USS EDWARD RUTLEDGE (AP-52)

General Specifications

USS Edward Rutledge (AP-52)

Edward Rutledge, Patriot

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