Attack on Orleans: The World War I Submarine Raid on Cape Cod (Military)

This book is a fascinating and well-researched account of the only attack on the U.S. shores during the last year of World War I. On a quiet and muggy Sunday morning, the tug Perth Amboy was headed south along Cape Cod, towing four barges. Vacationers relaxed on the beach and the porches of the cottages. Around 10:30am, the quiet calm was shattered by the thunderous roar of shells as the German sub U-156 opened fire on the tug. The submarine had already destroyed American and Allied vessels, including the USS San Diego off the coast of Long Island, killing a number of sailors. Although the Perth Amboy and her barges were of no particular value to the war effort, the captain of the U-156 had decided they were fine targets. Two of the tug's crew were seriously injured. The sub then began firing on the barges, as the people on board frantically scrambled into their lifeboats to escape. At the nearby Orleans Coast Guard Station, the life-savers headed out to the rescue in their surfboat. Author Jake Klim tells us the entire story from the points of view of many of the folks who were a part of this historic moment. He takes us from the beach and the cottages, to being on board the vessels and even up into the lookout tower at the Coast Guard Station. His research is amazingly thorough and his narrative compelling and smooth. There are lots of photos as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of the United States, World War I, maritime history or the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the U.S. Coast Guard. Even if you are not a history buff, you will still enjoy this exciting true story!

Very interesting story, I didn't realize Germany shelled us.

Having just visited Eastham on vacation, studying military history for decades- this work really fascinated me. Hoping to make it back to the area in the future if the 3 barges are still dive worthy.Highly recommend for anyone interested in the true account of U-156 and the attack on Orleans, MA.

I grew up in this town, and my father was a police sergeant there. I had not really heard much about this incident while growing up. I do remember doing a history project for school, where I interviewed an older gentleman who was a boy during the attack in this book. He witnessed the entire event. I wish I still had the recording of that interview.... but it was probably 35 years ago. The book was great! The author did a stellar job of finding primary sources, and the photos which he put in the book were awesome. I couldn't have asked for more. This is a solid 5 star account of an interesting event from World War I.

As someone who lived on the Cape for a few years, it came as a surprise to discover the history behind the first attack on US soil since the war of 1812 happened in Orleans.It’s not a lengthy windy book like some historical nonfiction tend to be. The author kept it simple and to the point with eyewitness accounts and journal entries. It turned out better than expected.Well worth the read if you ever stay on the cape.

A fascinating account of a little known German sub attack , the first attack on US soil in over 100 years. Such a great revelation and carefully detailed accounts deserve acclaim despite surprising lapses in vocabulary by the author.

Wonderful history and just a fascinating story for WWI buffs or anyone who enjoys a good story. Most Americans have never heard of this encounter of the German navy and a few good people from a peaceful village.

Found this book very informative. I've been to Nauset beach lots of time and never saw the sign. I will make it a point to find it next time. It is always interesting to find out history that is right under one's nose.