![A U.S. Navy destroyer escort was originally conceived as something of a stopgap measure during World War II. Later, the design proved to be effective in all theaters. Here, a destroyer escort is shown under way during sea trials.](https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/W-Ordnance-80-G-K-16446-e1681239313173-760x427.jpg)
Lend Lease Act
Holding the Line on the High Seas
By Paul B. CoraThrough the first half of World War II, Allied shipping losses to German U-boats climbed steadily from over 400,000 tons in the last four months of 1939 to more than two million tons each in 1940 and 1941, before reaching a staggering 6,266,215 tons in 1942 following the entry of the United States into the war. Read more