https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sinking_of_the_Reuben_James?wprov=sfti1

Written by Woody Guthrie - published 1942 so hard on it. My assumption (which I was unable to confirm) is that "This machine kills fascists" Guthrie was paying attention to the actions of Nazi Germany and focusing attempt where he could.

https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/a_people_at_war/prelude_to_war/uss_reuben_james.html

Info about the song and the ship and entry into war

http://www.csufresno.edu/folklore/ballads/PSAFB084.html

"Rueful memories of the U. S. entry into World War One, driven by the same drip-drip-drip of torpedoed ships sinking beneath the Atlantic waves, muted the public outcry for revenge. As with the Panay on the Yangtze, many Americans continued to fault their own nation for having placed American ships in harm's way."