On 12 Feb 1942 the unarmed Azalea City (Master George Robert Self) left Port of Spain, Trinidad for Philadelphia unescorted and was reported missing after 16 February.
On 21 February, U-432 spotted a steamer of 5000 grt in heavy seas about 125 miles east-southeast of Ocean City, Maryland. A first torpedo missed and the U-boat then crossed behind the steamer to the port side. At 01.23 hours a second torpedo was fired at 800 meters, which hit the freighter amidships. At 02.42 hours a third torpedo struck forward of the bridge. It is assumed that this ship was the Azalea City and that the nature of the cargo caused the ship to capsize after the torpedo hits. None of the eight officers and 30 men on board survived.