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World War II could not have been fought and won without the crucial role played by the U.S. Merchant Marine. Crewed by civilian seamen in peacetime, and carrying much of the nation’s ocean-borne commerce, the Merchant Marine is often considered the fourth arm of defense in wartime. And, as such, it provided the vital logistical support for beachheads in all theaters of operation around the world during the war.
The 20 Merchant Marine veterans of World War II featured in this oral history served in all theaters of war, and most had at least one ship - some two - torpedoed, bombed, shelled or mined out from under them. Some became prisoners of the Japanese for the duration, working on the infamous River Kwai Bridge. Many spend time in lifeboats or on flimsy rafts under extremely harsh conditions after the loss of a ship. And one - Donald Zubrod - endured 42 days in a lifeboat with several others before their eventual rescue very close to death’s door.
Credited during the war for often paying for their service with some of their own blood as they brought bombs, bullets, and butter to others, American merchant mariners actually suffered a loss rate that was a close second to only the Marine Corps during the conflict. Yet, their role still remains little known and understood.
The collection of eye-witness accounts will go a long way to helping set the record straight at long last.
