From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

An American blackbird.

The first Grackle (AM-73), formerly merchant fisherman Notre Dame, was launched in 1919 by the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine; acquired 16 September 1940, and commissioned 4 February 1941, Lt. Comdr. George W. Allen in command.

Following shakedown out of Yorktown and Newport, Grackle departed Portland, Maine, 25 September 1941 for service in Newfoundland as a unit of Minesweeper Division 25, Squadron 9 of the Atlantic Fleet. Upon reaching Argentia 2 October she conducted minesweeping patrols out that port until 15 January 1942, and following repairs at Boston, returned to her sweeping duties at Argentia until the spring of 1944.

Grackle put in at Boston 17 May and decommissioned there 25 August 1944. Stricken from the Navy List 16 September 1944, she was transferred to the Maritime Commission for disposal 9 September 1946.

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.com)