Merchant Marine Heroes: Meritorious Service Medals Awarded "for Conduct or Service of a Meritorious Nature" during World War II

*Indicates award made posthumously
The dates listed are for presentation of the Medal or the date of the War Shipping Administration Press Release.

We would appreciate photos, additions, and corrections to this list.

Accord, Leroy W.
Able Seaman, SS John Howard Payne
In March 1945, the SS John Howard Payne, was requested by radio to locate and assist possible survivors of an Army plane which had crashed at a given location in the Pacific Ocean seventy miles distant from the ship's position. The master immediately proceeded at full speed to render assistance. On arrival in the area, during darkness, a systematic search was instituted and continued for several hours until a flare was sighted which proved to be from the plane's rubber life raft supporting two men. Weather conditions were unfavorable for rescue operations. The sea was rough and there was a heavy swell running which caused the ship to roll through an arc of 28 degrees. A lifeboat, manned by the chief mate and six others, was lowered with great difficulty and proceeded on its precarious mission. The master maneuvered his ship to afford a lee for the boat. The removal of the two men from the raft and recovery of the boat and personnel were accomplished with great difficulty and at very definite risk to the rescued men and boat's crew. Feb. 11, 1947

Adams, William
Master, SS Charles Morgan 06/10/44
Captain William Adams, was master of the SS Charles Morgan. The ship had delivered her cargo to a European port, reloaded nearly 500 Army personnel and several hundred tons of equipment for the Normandy beachhead. After discharging this equipment and debarking nearly all soldiers in the initial invasion, the vessel was struck in No. 5 hatch by a bomb, causing her to settle by the stern in about 33 feet of water. Fires were started and several men killed. Getting all fires under control, Captain Adams searched all quarters for possibly trapped and injured men and left the ship only after she was declared a derelict by the U.S. Navy salvage officer. At low tide he and eleven of his crew volunteered to reboard the ship in spite of continued enemy action. Pumps were manned to keep the engine room dry and make possible the salvaging of valuable stores and equipment. [Captain Adams lived in New Orleans, LA and was born in Palou, Armenia in 1912. His mother, Mrs. Shoushan Dolbashian, lived in Providence, RI. He attended Fort Trumbull USMS Officer School.] Sep. 22, 1945

Adams, William M.
Ordinary Seaman, SS William Tyler Page
When his ship, the SS William Tyler Page, was engaged in the Normandy landing operations, an L.S.T. loaded with troops, hit a mine and was blown apart. Six of the surviving soldiers, all wounded, managed to cling to a piece of the wreckage of the landing craft which was rapidly drifting away in the heavy sea then running. Adams, with six of his shipmates, manned a lifeboat and, at great personal risk and by skillful maneuvering overhauled the drifting and tossing wreckage and rescued the six soldiers who otherwise would have perished [Adams was from Providence RI] May 22, 1945

Allen, Edward B. Jr.
Cadet-Midshipman (Deck), SS Cedar Mills
Edward B. Allen, was a Cadet-Midshipman (Deck) aboard the SS Cedar Mills when the vessel was enroute from Australia to India and became separated from her French destroyer escort during a violent cyclone. Upon interception of an SOS, the destroyer was located and found to be in distress suffering a 45 degree list, unable to raise steam, food supplies ruined and having lost overboard a number of officers and seamen. Two lifeboats with volunteer crews, including Allen, were launched, and with mountainous seas and a force 12 wind succeeded in transferring most of the destroyer's crew, many of whom were injured. This difficult operation continued for two days. Then operations began to salvage the destroyer. This necessitated securing a life ring to despatch food and water in milk cans to the crew remaining on the destroyer the five days she was in tow. Relieved by a British Man-of-War, the Cedar Mills continued to her scheduled port. [Allen's home was Roselle Park, NJ. He was born in 1923.] Sep. 4, 1945

Altman, Edwin
SS Charles Goodyear

Amy, Nelson M.
Master, SS Carole Lombard
His ship, SS Carole Lombard, loaded to capacity with a highly explosive cargo, received an SOS from a torpedoed and fast sinking British freighter [Richard James Ricketts] fourteen hundred miles away. Disregarding reported enemy submarine action in the vicinity, he immediately determined the stricken ship's position, plotted the course, and with "full speed ahead", in a rough sea, located the scattered lifeboats spread over a distance of ten miles containing the entire British crew of ninety. Owing to the rough sea and strong winds it was necessary to skillfully maneuver his ship to each lifeboat. The stricken crew, having been four days in the boats, was completely exhausted. However, every man was taken safely aboard, given first aid, food, available clothing, and eventually landed in physically fit condition. His expert seamanship and indomitable will to go to the aid of distressed seamen under the most difficult circumstances, obviously saved the lives of these ninety men. [Amy lived in Baltimore, MD] Mar. 8, 1946

Andrianan, Andreas
Boatswain, SS William B. Ogden
Andreas Andrianan was boatswain aboard the SS William B. Ogden when it went aground off the east coast of India. All of the crew was paid off and Andrianan volunteered to remain aboard to husband the ship. He recruited native help and for months worked to store the ship's equipment ashore. He logged the weather conditions and the tidal effect on the ship's position and took soundings over a considerable distance. A cyclone which raged for three days paid for his unceasing vigilance. During the heavy weather the ship began to work on the shoal and Andrianan variously slacked away and hove to until she floated free on tides. He dispatched this information to Calcutta and salvage equipment was sent. During the salvage operations he worked almost continuously and his aid contributed to the success of the operation. [Andrianan lived in New York, NY] Aug. 3, 1945

Armstrong, William J.
SS Lyman Abbott Mar. 5, 1947

Atkinson, P. W.
SS Mormacwren Nov. 18, 1944

Axness, William Hubbell
Third Mate, SS Lebaron Russell Briggs
In July 1944, the SS Lebaron Russell Briggs, in which Axness was serving, was in collision with a steam trawler off the east coast of Scotland. As a result of this collision the trawler sank. The accident occurred during a dense fog while the Briggs was proceeding in a single column convoy with seventeen vessels astern of her. When the Master called for volunteers to man a lifeboat, Axness, fully realizing the hazard involved, was one of five who responded immediately. During the search for men in the water, their boat twice narrowly escaped being run down by following ships in the convoy, but nine survivors were nevertheless rescued. To locate and return to the Briggs was a well-nigh hopeless operation in the dense fog, but contact was made with a local coasting vessel which took the survivors on board and towed the boat astern until the Briggs was finally located. Axness' courage, ability and willingness to risk his life to aid seamen in peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine. May 29, 1946

William Hubbell Axness

Bachmayer, John W.
Steward, SS Brookfield
While proceeding in convoy out of the lower harbor in New York during foggy weather, SS Brookfield, the tanker in which he was serving, was rammed by another vessel and set on fire. Because the ship was loaded to capacity with high-octane gasoline, an extremely dangerous situation was thus created. Bachmayer, realizing the emergency, immediately assisted five shipmates in manning the fire-fighting apparatus which finally brought the menacing flames under control. His quick thinking and utter disregard of personal danger contributed greatly to the safety of the ship and crew, and will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. [Bachmayer lived in North Minneapolis, MN] Sep. 16, 1946

Baier, Charles
SS William T. Coleman May 14, 1945

Barbara, Nicholas
Master, SS James Buchanan
Nicholas Barbara, Master and Jing F. Beisser, Cadet-Midshipman (Engine), who were aboard the SS James Buchanan which caught fire in No. 1 hold as the outcome of an adjacent ammunition dump exploding in a South Pacific port. With shrapnel flying, the crew under, Captain Barbara's direction, extinguished the raging fire. Beisser, in the engine room watch, helped to raise steam and ready the machinery plant for operation within the very short period of ten minutes. This remarkable performance, accomplished without injury to the plant, and enabled the ship to be moved to a safe anchorage from the dock. [Captain Barbara was born in San Francisco CA in 1915.] Sep. 7, 1945

Barclay, Dennis
Tug Skagit Chief

Barsner, Edward Sigfried [Barsneck Barsnek]
Able Seaman, SS Cedar Mills
The SS Cedar Mills, en route from Australia to India, became widely separated from her French destroyer escort during a violent cyclone. Upon interception of an SOS, the destroyer was located and found to be in distress suffering a 45 degree list, unable to raise steam, food supplies ruined and having lost overboard a number of officers and seamen. Mountainous seas with a force 12 wind prevailed. Two lifeboats with volunteer crews, including Barsner, were launched, and under extremely hazard-ous conditions succeeded in transferring most of the destroyer’s crew, many of whom were injured. This difficult operation continued for two days. Thereafter it was decided to salvage the destroyer, which was accomplished by skillful seamanship. This also necessitated securing a life ring in order to despatch food and water in milk cans to the crew remaining on the destroyer during the five days she was in tow. Relieved by a British Man-of-War the Cedar Mills continued to her scheduled port. His courage and complete disregard of personal safety greatly contributed toward saving the lives of the essential and trained French crew. Feb. 3, 1947

Bautista, Frederick
Junior Engineer, SS Elihu Thompson
Junior Engineer Frederick Bautista was a fireinan-watertender aboard the SS Elihu Thompson when the ship ran afoul of an enemy minefield while entering the harbor of Noumea, New Caledonia, with nearly 300 passengers. At the first explosion Bautista proceeded to his station and assisted in launching the lifeboat. Seeing a raft which had broken away from her towing line, he jumped into the sea without a life preserver and secured the drifting raft. He swam after two exhausted survivors and brought them aboard the raft, thus saving their lives. [Bautista lived in San Pedro, CA] July 5, 1946

Beisser, Jing Fred
Cadet-Midshipman (Engine), SS James Buchanan
Nicholas Barbara, Master and Jing F. Beisser, Cadet-Midshipman (Engine), who were aboard the SS James Buchanan which caught fire in No. 1 hold as the outcome of an adjacent ammunition dump exploding in a South Pacific port. With shrapnel flying, the crew, under Captain Barbara's direction, extinguished the raging fire. Beisser, in the engine room watch, helped to raise steam and ready the machinery plant for operation within the very short period of ten minutes. This remarkable performance, accomplished without injury to the plant, and enabled the ship to be moved to a safe anchorage from the dock. [Cadet Beisser, born in 1922, was from Fort Dodge, IA] Sep. 29, 1945

Benson, Donald James
Second Mate, SS Samuel Parker
Captain Donald J. Benson was Second Mate on the SS Samuel Parker during the North African and Sicilian campaigns. The vessel was under constant enemy attacks with cargo of ammunition. During the strafing and bombing, one of Benson's feet was painfully injured. Uncomplainingly, he continued to stand his watch for about three weeks. Upon being hospitalized, a broken bone was discovered and the foot placed in a cast. His conduct under undue physical strain was a real incentive, to shipmates to deliver the goods at any cost. [Benson was from Seattle, WA] Nov. 28, 1945

Berkowitz, Morris*
SS President Grant

Beyer, Herman C. F.
Chief Mate, USAT Clevedon
Captain Herman C. F. Bayer was serving as Chief Mate aboard the USAT Clevedon when the vessel, in an Alaskan port with 150 soldiers, passengers and crew aboard, became a raging inferno after an explosion in the engine room. After orders to abandon ship were given, Bayer and four others of the crew remained aboard and successfully maneuvered the ship away from the docks and beached her. The continuing explosions and intense heat caused the men to abandon ship and soon the Clevedon was completely wrecked by a very heavy explosion. [Beyer was from Boulder Creek, CA. He served in the Revenue Cutter Service aboard the cutter Bear in Alaskan waters.] Oct. 17, 1945

Bishop, Omar
Boatswain, USAT David W. Branch 11/24/43
While in Alaskan waters his ship, the USAT David W. Branch, intercepted an SOS from a grounded vessel. With full speed in the perilous sea which prevailed, she arrived at the given position and found the stranded ship immersed to her main deck, with eighteen hands still aboard. Bishop, together with several crew members, manned a motor lifeboat and succeeded in rescuing these men. During the return to his ship the motor failed, rendering the boat helpless, broadside to the seas and shipping water. The David W. Branch was skillfully maneuvered close aboard the drifting boat which was finally brought alongside to effect the safe transfer of the imperiled seamen to the ship. His courage and utter disregard for personal danger in going to the aid of fellow seamen will be a lasting inspiration to all men of the United States Merchant Marine. Sep. 18, 1945 [Bishop was from Montesano WA]

Blackwood, Simpson
Master, SS Floyd W. Spenser
Captain Simpson Blackwood was in command of the SS Floyd W. Spenser which was in convoy on her maiden voyage, loaded with vital war materiel for the Philippine campaign, when directly attacked by a Japanese suicide plane. As the plane closed in it launched a torpedo aimed directly at the ship. All guns which could bear on the plane were firing continuously and eventually brought it down close aboard. Captain Blackwood skillfully maneuvered the ship and avoided the torpedo, which passed astern. [Captain Blackwood lived in Lewiston, ME] Oct. 12, 1945

Blaisdell, James M.
Master, SS Mary E. Kinney
In October 1944, the SS Mary E. Kinney, commanded by Captain Blaisdell, took part in the initial invasion of the Philippine Islands at Tacloban and Dulag, Island of Leyte. For many days this ship, and others in the invasion force, were subjected to numerous strafing and bombing attacks by enemy planes. Several ships were seriously damaged by suicide aircraft which crashed into the vessel's hull. Captain Blaisdell had trained his crew for such an emergency. Merchant Seamen took their places at the gulls with men of the Navy armed guard and rendered courageous and valuable service in repelling all attacks. Several enemy planes were shot down and many others damaged or driven off. Captain Blaisdell's good judgment, leadership and successful preparation for battle were in keeping with the high standards of the United States Merchant Marine. [Blaisdell lived in Coronado, CA] Aug. 15, 1946

Blake, Harold A.
SS Samuel Parker Feb. 6, 1947

Blundell, Walter Harleigh
Chief Mate, SS Kittanning
Captain Walter Harleigh Blundell was Chief Mate of the SS Kittanning while enroute to Aruba in ballast for a cargo of fuel oil. The tanker was struck by three torpedoes at short intervals. She immediately began to settle with a forty-five degree list and "Abandon Ship" orders were given. Later, from one of the Coast Guard cutters which had come to the rescue, it was observed that the ship was still afloat and on a more even keel. Blundell and two Deck and two Engineer officers responded to the Master's call for volunteers, reboarded the vessel and ultimately succeeded in reaching port where repairs were effected. [Blundell reside in Philadelphia, PA] May 3, 1946

Bohn, William Chanler
Radio Operator, SS City of Flint 01/25/43
William Chanler Bohn, Radio Operator aboard the SS City of Flint, helped save his shipmates when the vessel, with a cargo of high octane gasoline, was struck by a torpedo, immediately enveloping the fast-sinking ship in raging flames. After "abandon ship" orders were given Bohn, in the flaming sea for nearly an hour, succeeded in keeping afloat a portable radio set until picked up by a lifeboat. He immediately rigged up the transmitter and sent a distress signal which was intercepted by a Portuguese destroyer, which came to their rescue and saved practically all hands. [Bohn, 24, lived in New York, NY] Aug. 13, 1945

Boland, William E.
SS Juan Cabrillo Nov. 19, 1946

Bones, George R. Jr.
Ordinary Seaman, SS John Howard Payne
In March 1945, the SS John Howard Payne, was requested by radio to locate and assist possible survivors of an Army plane which had crashed at a given location in the Pacific Ocean seventy miles distant from the ship's position. The master immediately proceeded at full speed to render assistance. On arrival in the area, during darkness, a systematic search was instituted and continued for several hours until a flare was sighted which proved to be from the plane's rubber life raft supporting two men. Weather conditions were unfavorable for rescue operations. The sea was rough and there was a heavy swell running which caused the ship to roll through an arc of 28 degrees. A lifeboat, manned by the chief mate and six others, was lowered with great difficulty and proceeded on its precarious mission. The master maneuvered his ship to afford a lee for the boat. The removal of the two men from the raft and recovery of the boat and personnel were accomplished with great difficulty and at very definite risk to the rescued men and boat's crew. [Bones was from Littlerock, CA] Nov. 4, 1946

Borge, Martin
Chief Mate, SS San Jacinto
The SS San Jacinto, was carrying 105 passengers, principally women, and a crew of 79 when she was torpedoed and sunk after continuous shelling. "Abandon ship" orders were immediately given and Captain Martin Borge, then Chief Mate, gave calm and efficient directions so that panic was avoided and loss of lives limited to nine passengers and five crew. [Borge lived in Arlington, MA] Jan. 7, 1946

Bovyer, Henry W.
Able Seaman, SS George Luks
Henry V. Bovyer was in a New Guinea port aboard the SS George Luks when a Liberty ship moored alongside was the scene of an explosion. The vessel was immediately abandoned by the Master and all deck hands, excepting the Third Mate. The Chief Engineer and engine crew remained to secure the machinery plant, checking the spreading fire. Bovyer and four shipmates from the SS Luks volunteered and proceeded to board the menaced vessel where they assisted in casting off the lines to their own ship, operated fire fighting equipment and threw several cases of ammunition overboard and thus enabled the damaged ship to proceed to the outer harbor. [Bovyer lived in Oakland, CA] Sep. 17, 1945

Boyd, F. F.
SS Morrison R. Waite Dec. 13, 1946

Boyer, Clive Charles
Able Seaman, SS Matt W. Ransom
Clive Charles Boyer was an Able Seaman aboard the SS Matt W. Ransom enroute to Casablanca when the ship was struck by a torpedo in the way of No. 1 hold. As the ship settled, all hands left the ship in boats. Soon it was apparent that the vessel would remain afloat and the captain called for volunteers to reboard her. Boyer was one of the six men selected by the captain to accompany him. With this skeleton crew, steam was raised and the ship safely navigated into port, followed by the remainder of the crew in an escort vessel. [Seaman Boyer lived in New Orleans, LA] Oct. 30, 1945

Brady, George F. Jr.
SS Henry L. Abbott Nov. 27, 1946

Brady, John
Master, SS Francisco Morazan
The SS Francisco Morazan, commanded by Captain Brady, took part in the invasion of the Philippine Islands in the Leyte-Mindoro area, during November and December, 1944 and January 1945. The vessel was fully loaded with highly-inflammable and explosive cargo. One direct bomb hit would undoubtedly have caused a catastrophe. The Master and all hands realized the vital necessity of making every shot count in an extremely tight defense of the ship. For many days at a time Merchant Seamen and Navy gunners remained at their stations getting snatches of food and sleep when circumstances permitted them to do so. So acute and timely was the Francisco Morazan's gunfire that a number of enemy planes were shot down, some were damaged and others driven off. Finally the ship arrived off the Mindoro landing beach and successfully discharged her cargo. Captain Brady's courage, leadership and excellent control of a well-disciplined crew were mainly responsible for the delivery of the vital war materiel and will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. Dec. 19, 1946

Bramble, Walter W. [H]
Able Seaman, SS Joseph Pulitzer
In 1943, the SS Joseph Pulitzer, in which Bramble (then able seaman) was serving, transported troops, vehicles and Army supplies from a North African base to Gela, Sicily. This vessel, and others in the convoy, were subjected to many strafing and bombing attacks by enemy planes and also to bombardments from shore based artillery. During one of these attacks fragments from an anti-personnel bomb wounded all eight of the crew of the after three-inch gun, some so seriously that it was necessary to transfer them to a naval vessel for treatment. In this emergency, Bramble, who had some previous gunnery experience, volunteered and received permission to form a new gun crew composed of merchant seamen and Army personnel. For four days and nights this amateur crew performed valiant service in driving off enemy planes. It was credited with one plane shot down. Bramble's fine spirit, leadership and skill contributed materially to the safety of the ship and were in keeping with the high standards of the United States Merchant Marine. [Bramble was from Baltimore, MD] Sep. 12, 1946

Breckenridge, Frank Gibson
First Assistant Engineer, SS Kittanning
The tanker SS Kittanning was enroute to Aruba for a cargo of fuel oil when struck by three torpedoes at short intervals. She began to settle with a 45-degree list and "Abandon Ship" orders were given. Later a Coast Guard cutter came to the rescue and found the ship still afloat and on a more even keel. Frank Gibson Breckenridge, First Assistant Engineer, and Karl Bjarne Gjersvik, Junior Third Mate, along with the Chief Engineer and two deck officers, responded to the call for volunteers to reboard the vessel which ultimately succeeded in reaching port where repairs were effected. [Breckenridge resided in Gloucester, NJ] Apr. 4, 1946

Bredesen, Norman Bjorne
Able Seaman, SS Starr King
En route to Noumea, New Caledonia, the SS Starr King, in which he was serving, was struck by a torpedo. The master ordered all lifeboats lowered and held close aboard while he conducted a survey of the resulting damage. During his inspection a second torpedo struck and the vessel settled by the stern. After settling discontinued the captain observed that bulkhead doors at the after end of the superstructure and one leading to the engine room were jammed open. He ordered his lifeboat alongside so that he could attempt to close the doors, and asked for volunteers. Bredesen was the only crew member to respond, and without hesitation removed his clothes, swam to the ship, succeeded in closing the doors and then swam back to his boat. Subsequently an Australian destroyer appeared on the scene and offered to tow the Starr King. Bredesen again volunteered to reboard his ship, together with the chief engineer and second mate. They were ordered to leave their ship when the towing hawser became fouled in one of the destroyer's propellers, and remained aboard the rescue ship until the following morning. During the night the Starr King had sunk. His courage and utter disregard of personal danger in trying to save his ship will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. [Bredesen lived in Oakland, CA] Aug. 2, 1946

Brixey, James
Tug Skagit Chief

Brooks, Thomas
Chief Mate, SS Howard L. Gibson
During evening twilight, in October 1944, the SS Howard L. Gibson, which Brooks was serving, was in collision with another vessel of a trans-Atlantic convoy. Both ships immediately burst into flames which, in the case of the Gibson, extended from bow to stern. Some progress was made in extinguishing fires in the after part of the ship, but because of the danger of exploding magazines the master ordered the vessel abandoned. All hands were safely picked up by a destroy escort, including the seriously injured master. During the night Brooks and two other officers organized a party of volunteers and returned to the vessel in an attempt to save her from destruction. Each man knew that the undertaking was extremely dangerous, as the ship might blow up at any moment. Nevertheless Brooks and his two companions divided their men into groups to fight fires on deck and to handle machinery in the smoke-filled engine-room. After a long and hazardous period of some thirty hours, and with assistance from the destroyer escort, the flames were finally extinguished and the ship saved. Brooks' courage, leadership and indefatigable efforts contributed greatly to the successful salvage of the vessel and will be an enduring inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. [Brooks lived in Brooklyn, NY] Sep. 27, 1946

Bruening, Donald A.
SS Matthew P. Deady
In October and November 1944, the SS Matthew P. Deady, in which Bruening was serving, took part in the initial invasion of the Philippine Islands in the Leyte area. The vessel had nearly seven hundred Army personnel on board and was loaded with inflammable and explosive war materiel. For many days and nights enemy planes were intermittently attacking all ships in the area. Finally, during moonlight, a suicide plane, badly damaged by gunfire, dove into the Matthew P. Deady's forward deck causing instantaneous and serious fires, both on deck and in No. 1 hold. Bruening immediately answered the master's call, and with five other crew members entered No. 1 hold to fight the fires which were menacing the safety of the ship. The presence of carbide and other highly inflammable materiel made this an extremely hazardous operation. However, Bruening and his companions willingly risked their lives, and after strenuous exertions, finally extinguished the flames. Nov. 13, 1946

Bryant, Russell H.
Ordinary Seaman, SS Cedar Mills
The SS Cedar Mills was enroute from Australia to India when she became widely separated from her French destroyer escort during a violent cyclone. Upon intercepting an SOS the destroyer was located and found to be in distress with a 45-degree list, unable to raise steam, with food supplies ruined and having lost overboard a number of the crew. High seas with a force 12 wind prevailed. Two lifeboats with volunteer crews were launched and under extremely hazardous conditions the men succeeded in transferring most of the destroyer's crew, many of whom were injured. This difficult operation lasted two days. It was decided to salvage the destroyer and this necessitated securing a life ring to despatch food and water in, milk cans to the crew remaining aboard the five days the destroyer was in tow. Relieved by a British Man-of-war, the Mills continued to her port. [Bryant lived in Burlington, WA]

Buck, Lee Danforth
Messman, SS Abner Nash
The SS Abner Nash, while anchored off the Sicilian coast, was subjected to intensive enemy air attacks for a period of two weeks. Lee D. Buck, serving as Messman aboard the vessel, volunteered to load the magazines and carry ammunition to the guns enabling the gun crew to maintain a steady and accurate gun fire which held the enemy off. Buck's courage and utter disregard of personal danger contributed largely to the safety of the ship and his shipmates in this extended engagement. [Buck's widow lived in Reading, PA] June 18, 1946

Buckley, Ronald
Tug Skagit Chief

Butler, Peter F.
Master, SS S. Hall Young
Before dawn on the morning of April 30, 1945, the steamship S. Hall Young, while loaded with flammable and explosive cargo, was attacked by an enemy plane. Structural damage to the ship and a potentially serious fire resulted. The ship's personnel, ably assisted by nearby naval vessels, fought the fire with energy and skill. The fire was prevented from spreading, ultimately was extinguished, and the vessel and most of her valuable cargo saved.

The cool conduct and courageous leadership of the master in these successful efforts to save his ship are worthy of high commendation. [Text of Navy Commendation reported by Seattle Times, July 1, 1945. Meritorious Medal awarded Jan. 14, 1947. Butler, 33 years old, was a resident of Seattle WA. Photo courtesy Peter Butler, Jr.]

Byl, Adrian C.
Cadet, SS Brookfield
While proceeding in convoy out of the lower harbor in New York during foggy weather, SS Brookfield, the tanker in which he was serving was rammed by another vessel and set on fire. Because the ship was loaded to capacity with high octane gasoline, an extremely dangerous situation was thus created. Byl, realizing the emergency, immediately assisted five shipmates in manning the fire-fighting apparatus which finally brought the menacing flames under control. His quick thinking and utter disregard of personal danger contributed greatly to the safety of the ship and crew, and will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine.

Caffey, Hubert S.
Cadet, MS Motorex

Calder, Robert M.
SS Charles Morgan 06/10/44
Apr. 22, 1946

Caneda, Santiago A.
SS Bushrod Washington

Capps, Donnell B.
Oiler, SS Juan de Fuca
Donnell B. Capps of Wichita, KS was Oiler aboard the SS Juan de Fuca during the invasion of the Philippine Islands in the Leyte and Mindoro area in December 1944 and January 1945. During many enemy engagements the vessel was seriously damaged and stranded on a reef with much of her cargo aboard. In spite of orders permitting the immediate evacuation of the entire crew to a rear station, Rowan and all but seven of the crew volunteered to remain on board with the Master for the purpose of discharging the remaining cargo regardless of probable continuing enemy action. When this task was completed, Capps and seven other crew members again volunteered to join the Master in completing salvage operations to another damaged Liberty ship in the same area and to serve in her during the return trip to the United States. His courage, fine spirit and outstanding devotion his country's cause were in keeping with the high standard of performance in the United States Merchant Marine. Apr. 11, 1946

Carey, Frank W. , Jr.
Ordinary Seaman, SS Abner Nash
While anchored off the Sicilian coast, the SS Abner Nash, in which he was serving, was subjected to intensive enemy air attacks for a period of two weeks. The raids were carried out principally at night owing to the ideal weather which prevailed. Carey volunteered and assisted in loading the magazines and transporting ammunition to the guns. Despite the vulnerability of his ship, anchored at the base of a mountain peak which afforded the enemy natural protection, the Abner Nash maintained such accurate gun fire that the enemy was repeatedly repulsed. The ship successfully delivered her cargo of vital war materiel while beating off a total of forty enemy attacks. Carey's courage and utter disregard of personal danger contributed greatly to the safety of the ship and crew, and will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. [Carey lived in Newburgh, NY] Apr. 3, 1946

Carlson, Gustaf E.
Master, Tug Margaret Olsen
When the munitions laden SS El Estero, burning at her pier, threatened the destruction of other ships and harbor installations, these captains and their courageous crews assisted in unmooring and towing the furiously burning ship into the bay where she could be safely scuttled. This selfless daring and devotion to duty undoubtedly prevented a catastrophe of major proportions which would have seriously impeded our war effort. [Carlson lived in Brooklyn, NY] Dec. 16, 1944

Carpenter, Preston V.
Fireman, SS Munger T. Ball
In May 1942, the SS Munger T. Ball was torpedoed and set on fire. Many men, trying to reach their lifeboats, were seriously burned and were compelled to jump into the sea. Preston V. Carpenter, serving aboard the vessel as Fireman, had managed to swim clear of the burning oil when he observed a shipmate who was seriously burned and who had no lifejacket. Without thought of his own safety, Carpenter swam to his aid, dragged him clear of burning patches of oil and supported the injured man for more than three hours until rescued by another vessel. [Carpenter's home was in Ennis, TX] Sep. 5, 1946

Carstens, Adrian
SS Samuel Parker Nov. 12, 1946

Cate, Eliot W.
Able Seaman, SS William Tyler Page
The SS William Tyler Page was engaged in the Normandy landing operations when an L.S.T. Loaded with troops hit a mine and was blown apart. Six of the surviving soldiers, all wounded, managed to cling to a piece of wreckage which was rapidly drifting away in the heavy sea. Six men from the Page manned a lifeboat and succeeded in overhauling the drifting and tossing wreckage and rescued the soldiers who otherwise would have perished. [Cate lived in North Andover, MA] May 16, 1946

Cates, Edson B.*
Master, SS Logan Victory
Captain Edson Baxter Cates was in command of the SS Logan Victory in the attack on Okinawa in April 1945. Before her cargo could be discharged a suicide plane struck the ship and set her on fire so quickly and over such an extended area that it was impossible to control the conflagration. The Master gave the abandon ship order but boats had been damaged by machine-gun fire and shrapnel and only one was serviceable for a short period of time. Captain Cates remained on board to release life rafts and assist his men over the side, although he had been struck by machine-gun bullets and shrapnel. He was later picked up from the water by a rescue boat and taken to a Navy hospital where he died from wounds two days later. [Captain Cates' sister lived in Edgartown, MA] July 31, 1946

Cathcart, James E.
SS William Ellery Oct. 19, 1946

Cavanaugh, Paul Fredrick
Junior Engineer, SS Francis C. Harrington
The SS Francis C. Harrington, in which he was serving during the initial assault on Normandy Beach, ran afoul of an enemy mine field. The ship's main engine was disabled and the machinery plant was damaged extensively. Although the vessel was still subject to enemy attack, Cavanaugh accompanied the chief engineer to the engine room and immediately undertook emergency repairs. During the ensuing five days he and his shipmates labored unceasingly, with little time for sleep, and in spite of continuing enemy action in the vicinity. As a result of these strenuous efforts the machinery plant was placed in temporary operating condition and the ship was able to proceed to a port in England where permanent repairs were effected. His complete disregard of personal danger and his faithful and skillful performance of exacting duty will he a lasting inspiration to all seaman of the United States Merchant Marine. [Cavanaugh resided in Chicago, IL] Mar. 5, 1946

Cavins, Richard T.
SS Matthew P. Deady
In October and November 1944, the SS Matthew P. Deady, in which Cavins was serving, took part in the initial invasion of the Philippine Islands in the Leyte area. The vessel had nearly seven hundred Army personnel on board and was loaded with inflammable and explosive war materiel. For many days and nights enemy planes were intermittently attacking all ships in the area. Finally, during moonlight, a suicide plane, badly damaged by gunfire, dove into the Matthew P. Deady's forward deck causing instantaneous and serious fires, both on deck and in No. 1 hold. Cavins immediately answered the master's call, and with five other crew members entered No. 1 hold to fight the fires which were menacing the safety of the ship. The presence of carbide and other highly inflammable materiel made this an extremely hazardous operation. However, Cavins and his companions willingly risked their lives, and after strenuous exertions, finally extinguished the flames. Feb. 4, 1947

Champagne, J.*
SS Stanvac Calcutta

Chapman, George
SS Saint Mihiel

Chapponi, Robert W.
SS Juan Cabrillo Oct. 12, 1945

Chowaniec, Walter Joseph
Ordinary Seaman, SS Pan Maine
When the SS Pan Maine collided with a British Navy patrol boat in the Thames River, Walter Joseph Chowaniec, Ordinary Seaman, witnessed the sinking of the lighter craft. Hearing a call for help, he went over the side and rescued a drowning seaman by swimming with him through the heavy flotsam and strong current to a nearby lifeboat. He then swam to the aid of an injured British officer and a seaman who were clinging to a raft and maneuvered it close to the lifeboat. [Chowaniec was born in Middletown, CT in 1923.] Oct. 12, 1945

Clapp, Stuart Remick
Second Mate, SS Juan Cabrillo
While the SS Juan Cabrillo, was discharging her ammunition cargo at a United States Naval Air Base pier, the vessel was placed in serious jeopardy by a series of violent explosions on the dock. Stuart Remick Clapp, Second Mate, supervised the manning of fire-fighting equipment and the cutting of mooring lines which made it possible to maneuver the vessel from the pier to a safe anchorage. Arthur Wilbur Elliott, Third Mate, immediately rendered first aid to injured shipmates and his efficient execution of orders contributed greatly to getting the ship safely away. [Clapp lived in Oakland, CA. He was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1910.] Oct. 12, 1945

Clegg, Harold
SS Lyman Abbott

Coady, Leonard
SS Pan Maryland Mar. 12, 1947

Coas, Gardner A.
Chief Mate, SS Honolulan 07/22/42

Right: Gardner A. Coas

When his ship, the SS Honolulan, was torpedoed and her crew had abandoned ship, he remained on board with the Master and Radio Operator to obtain extra food and equipment for a lifeboat which was standing by close aboard. Just as this task was completed, a second torpedo struck and the ship began to settle rapidly. In company with the Master and Radio Operator, he jumped over the side and swam to the nearby lifeboat. During the six days the lifeboat was adrift he displayed great fortitude in caring for the physical and mental comforts of the members of the crew, and rendered invaluable assistance to the Master in keeping the three lifeboats together until picked up by an English steamer. [Coas lived in St. George, Staten Island, NY] May 22, 1945

Coffin, Albion Frank
Chief Mate, SS Caleb Strong
Captain Albion Frank Coffin was Chief Mate of the Caleb Strong, when fire broke out in No. 2 hold while the ship was discharging cargo at a Mediterranean port. The hold contained boxed phosphorus smoke pots and demolition torpedoes. In the other holds were 3,000 tons of bombs. When the fire alarm was sounded, stevedores and dockhands fled from the vicinity. Without hesitation, Coffin and the Second Mate, Third Mate, and a member of the Armed Guard entered the hold and remained until they had extinguished the menacing fire. Later all four were given hospital treatment for smoke inhalation and shock. [Coffin lived in Worcester, MA] July 22, 1946

Collins, Richard Patrick
First Pumpman, SS Harper's Ferry
While discharging her cargo of high test gasoline in Taranto, Italy, his tanker, SS Harper's Ferry, caught fire and was immediately abandoned by all crew members excepting the Master, Chief Engineer, Third Assistant Engineer, First and Second Pumpman, a Fireman and an Oiler. Collins, without hesitation, secured the cargo pump and valves and then, under extremely hazardous conditions, manned the fire hose until the menacing flames were extinguished. His courage and utter disregard of personal danger in the face of possible death contributed greatly to saving the much needed ship and her vital cargo, and will be a lasting inspiration to seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. [Collins home is Washington, DC] Sep. 14, 1945

Connally, Weddie [Connolly]
SS Kewanee
The tanker SS Kewanee, while traveling in convoy at night, burst into flames directly over the forward tanks, leaded with highly inflammable aviation gasoline. Despite the danger of an immediate explosion, Weddie C. Connolly, Maintenance Foreman, together with three shipmates, manned the fire fighting equipment and fought the menacing flames until extinguished. [Connolly's home was Tampa, FL] Sep. 9, 1946

Conners, James Richard
Third Assistant Engineer, SS Charles Morgan 06/10/44
The SS Charles Morgan, had delivered her cargo to a European port and reloaded nearly 500 Army personnel and several hundred tons of equipment for the Normandy beachhead. After debarking nearly all troops and discharging the equipment in the initial invasion, the vessel was struck by a bomb in No. 5 hatch, causing her to settle by the stern in about 33 feet of water. Fires were started and several men killed. Getting fires under control, Third Assistant Engineer James Richard Conners searched all quarters for injured or trapped men and left the ship only after she was declared a derelict by the US Navy salvage officer. At low tide, Conners and 11 shipmates volunteered to reboard the ship in spite of continued enemy action. Pumps were manned to keep the engine room dry and make possible the salvaging of stores and equipment. [Conners lived in Everett, MA] Nov. 15, 1945

Connor, Edward J.
Third Mate, SS John C. Calhoun09/07/44
While the vessel was moored on the outboard side of a heavily laden ammunition ship, the SS John C. Calhoun was set afire by an internal explosion. Though the fire was raging toward the engine room and there was danger of new explosions from high octane gasoline, Connor with the Chief Engineer, and his three assistants, and a fireman, refused to abandon ship and remained aboard throughout the night fighting the fire until it was extinguished. [Connor, born in 1921, lived in Washington, DC. He attended Fort Trumbull Officer School.] Apr. 10, 1945

Copper, Louis
SS Edward P. Costigan Oct. 10, 1946

Cox, Ralph
SS Edward P. Costigan Oct. 10, 1946

Creel, Norman James
Junior Engineer, SS Charles Morgan 06/10/44
Norman James Creel was Junior Engineer aboard the SS Charles Morgan when the vessel, having discharged several hundred tons of equipment for the Normandy beachhead invasion and nearly all of its 500 Army personnel, was struck by a bomb in No. 5 hatch. This caused her to settle by the stern in about 33 feet of water. Fires were started aft and several men killed. Getting all fires under control, Creel searched all quarters for trapped and injured men and left the ship only after she was declared a derelict by the US Navy salvage officer. At low tide he and 11 shipmates volunteered to reboard the ship in spite of continued enemy action. Pumps were manned to keep the engine room dry and make possible the salvaging of valuable stores and equipment. [Creel lived in Washington, DC] Jan. 8, 1946

Crosby, Keith N.
Master, SS Abner Nash
While anchored off the Sicilian coast, his ship, SS Abner Nash, was subjected to intensive enemy air attacks for a period of two weeks. The raids were carried out principally at night owing to the ideal weather which prevailed. Despite the vulnerability of his ship, usually anchored at the base of a mountain peak which afforded the enemy natural protection, the Abner Nash set up such an accurate barrage that the enemy was repeatedly repulsed. Other attacks, while the vessel was under way, were defeated by a combination of skillful maneuvering and accurate gun fire. A total of forty enemy attacks were beaten off. Captain Crosby's courage, leadership and utter disregard of personal danger contributed greatly to the safety of the ship and crew, and will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. [Crosby was 47 years old and lived with his family in Mineola, Long Island, New York. The medal was presented November 2, 1945]

Curtin, Robert J.
SS Charles Morgan 06/10/44
Oct. 12, 1946

Daniels, Elmer Jay
Carpenter, SS James Buchanan
Elmer Jay Daniels was a Carpenter aboard the SS James Buchanan which caught fire in No. 1 hold from an exploding ammunition dump while discharging her cargo of ammunition in a South Pacific port. Daniels, with other members of the deck force, vigorously fought the fire. While the ship was being moved to a safe anchorage, he stood by the anchor in the fact of possible explosion and later helped his shipmates in finally extinguishing the flames. [Daniels resided in San Francisco, CA. He was born in 1906.] Nov. 3, 1945

Dato, Gustavo
Second Assistant Engineer, SS Juan De Fuca
In December 1944 and January 1945 the SS Juan De Fuca participated in the invasion of the Philippine Islands in the Leyte and Mindoro areas. Numerous engagements with enemy planes took place en route to Mindoro and while discharging cargo. After serious damage the vessel was stranded on a reef with much cargo still aboard. In spite of orders permitting the crew to evacuate to a rear station, Gustavo Dato, Jr., Second Assistant Engineer and all but seven of the crew volunteered to remain aboard to discharge cargo. When this was completed he and seven others again volunteered to join the Master in salvage operations on another damaged Liberty ship in the same area and serve in her during the return trip to the United States. [Dato resided in Los Angeles, CA] July 17, 1946

Davidson, Fritz E.
SS Kate Douglas Wiggin

Davis, William A.
SS Brookfield
While proceeding in convoy out of the lower harbor in New York during foggy weather, SS Brookfield, the tanker in which he was serving was rammed by another vessel and set on fire. Because the ship was loaded to capacity with high octane gasoline, an extremely dangerous situation was thus created. Davis, realizing the emergency, immediately assisted five shipmates in manning the fire-fighting apparatus which finally brought the menacing flames under control. His quick thinking and utter disregard of personal danger contributed greatly to the safety of the ship and crew, and will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. Mar. 15, 1947

Deal, Carl Hal
Master, SS Grace Abbott
In November 1943, the SS Grace Abbott, under command of Captain Deal, was anchored in an Italian port. The master and three other officers were returning from shore in a ship's boat when a terrific explosion shook the harbor as a vessel near the entrance channel was blown to pieces. The Grace Abbott's boat immediately headed for the scene of the disaster. Captain Deal and his companions, with complete disregard for personal safety, skillfully worked their way through floating wreckage and patches of burning oil on the surface of the water, and arrived in time to rescue two of the crew of the wrecked vessel, which proved to be an Allied mine-sweeper. The return trip was successfully accomplished and the injured men were transferred to a hospital ship. Oct. 7, 1946

Deftereos, Nick
SS Esso Little Rock Apr. 12, 1947

Deligianopoulos, Nicholas
First Assistant Engineer, SS John C. Calhoun
When an explosion broke out aboard the SS John Calhoun, while discharging her cargo of high octane gasoline, the crew abandoned ship, with the exception of Nicholas Deligianopoulos, First Assistant Engineer, a Fireman and the Third Mate. Through their combined efforts the fire fighting equipment was immediately manned, the vessel maneuvered away from the ship alongside and the fire extinguished. [Deligianopoulos' home is Gironde, France] Aug. 29, 1946

Delmasse, James R.
SS Brookfield
While proceeding in convoy out of the lower harbor in New York during foggy weather, SS Brookfield, the tanker in which he was serving was rammed by another vessel and set on fire. Because the ship was loaded to capacity with high octane gasoline, an extremely dangerous situation was thus created. Delmasse, realizing the emergency, immediately assisted five shipmates in manning the fire-fighting apparatus which finally brought the menacing flames under control. His quick thinking and utter disregard of personal danger contributed greatly to the safety of the ship and crew, and will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine.

Delong, Alvin E.
SS Stanvac Calcutta

De Puey, James
Master, Tug SS Watch Hill
Captain James De Puey, Master of the tug SS Watch Hill, received the medal for action at a time of heavy enemy air and submarine attacks off Formosa. With disregard for the risks involved, he assisted in towing two badly damaged ships out of the combat area. This task was completed in seven days under constant threat of attack. His accomplishment contributed materially to a salvage operation which brought the damaged ships into a safe anchorage. [De Puey lived in Baltimore, MD] June 11, 1945

Dickinson, Robert E.
SS Kittanning

Dietz, Christian Gustav
Master, SS Abraham Lincoln
Captain Christian Gustav Dietz was master of the SS Abraham Lincoln while debarking troops and discharging war materiel for the Sicilian campaign. The ship was subjected to unrelenting enemy air attacks for three days and was particularly vulnerable to attack because she was anchored near the base of a mountainous peak. The ship's guns were in such continuous action that it was necessary to feed the gun crews at their stations. On one occasion it was necessary to maneuver the Abraham Lincoln from a nearby ship which was bombed and sunk. An enemy bomber was brought down and all attacks successfully repulsed with only minor crew casualties. Captain Dietz's courage and leadership contributed greatly to the safety of the crew and ship and were mainly responsible for the delivery of essentially needed troops and supplies. [Dietz lived in Winthrop, MA] Aug. 29, 1945

Dion, Richard A.
Able Seaman, SS Norlago
While proceeding in convoy from Halifax to Boston, the SS Norlago, in which he was serving, was placed in serious jeopardy when the vessel directly ahead and the one on her starboard beam were torpedoed and sunk within short intervals. Nevertheless the Master ordered the ship to circle the area for survivors. During the ensuing maneuvers Dion volunteered to go overboard to rescue a seaman clinging to a piece of wreckage, and reached him just as the weakened man's head slumped forward into the water. Despite the fact that Dion weighed but 115 pounds compared to the unconscious seaman's 230 pounds, he secured a line to his arm, held his head above water and assisted in getting him alongside the ship from whence he was hoisted on board. His courage and utter disregard of personal safety in going to the aid of one in peril will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. [Dion lived in St. Petersburg, FL, and was a graduate of the U. S. Maritime Service Training Station, St. Petersburg, Fla.] Apr. 4, 1946

Drevas, Peter
SS Matt W. Ransom

Duncan, William
Deckhand, Tug Fred B. Dalzell
When fire broke out on the Brooklyn., N. Y., pier at which the SS Panuco was discharging cargo, the flames spread rapidly to the ship and cut off all escape of the crew. Captain Edward Lawrence Lee, in command of the tug W. F. Dalzell, and Captain Martin Stephen Woods, master of the tug Fred B. Dalzell, were in the vicinity and proceeded through the dense smoke to make a line fast to the burning ship and tow her to the outer harbor. Captain William H. Duncan, then a deckhand on the Fred B. Dalzell, secured the heaving line over his shoulder, climbed up a cable, cast off the ship's mooring lines and fastened a towing line at the stern. He found himself trapped by the flames, jumped overboard and swam to his boat where he helped them tow the burning ship. While the tugs were in the slip they rescued many seamen and dock workers who had jumped into the river as their only means of escape. [Duncan lived in Brooklyn, NY] July 23, 1946

Edward Lawrence Lee, William Duncan, Martin Stephen Wood
Photo: MAST Magazine September 1946

Dunne, Francis Edward
Cadet-Midshipman (Engine), SS Parismina 11/18/42
Francis Edward Dunne, was a Cadet-Midshipman (Engine) aboard the SS Parismina when it was torpedoed in the North Atlantic and began to rapidly sink. When orders to abandon ship were given, Dunne engaged in clearing away a lifeboat. He saw that. a second lifeboat, fully loaded with men, had fouled its falls and went to the boat deck and rendered assistance in clearing the falls and successfully lowering the boat. When the boat became further endangered with the suction of the sinking ship, Dunne ordered all hands toward the stern, thus raising its bow and saving the craft from becoming submerged. He continued to aid helpless shipmates aboard. [Dunne, 22, was from Brooklyn, NY] Oct. 5, 1945

Eades, Melvin Louis
Boatswain, SS Esso Little Rock
His ship, MS Esso Little Rock, received a message in the nature of a weighted canvas pouch dropped to the ship's bridge from a Navy PBY flying boat, giving the position of a Catalina bomber forced down in a heavy sea with a crew of eight. The master reached the reported position at 158 miles distance at full speed. There being no trace of the airmen, the vessel cruised for eighteen miles in the vicinity, playing her searchlight. Just as all hope was waning a flare was sighted dead ahead, and the tanker reached the spot in one hour and a half. Boatswain Eades manned a lifeboat and, at great personal risk and by skillful maneuvering in the heavy sea, brought the life-boat under the heavy wing of the drifting bomber as the wing swayed upward and one by one rescued the eight marooned fliers, who otherwise would have perished. [Eades lived in Provo UT] Aug, 1945

Edman, Paul E.
Second Mate, SS Lebaron Russell Briggs
In July 1944, the SS Lebaron Russell Briggs, in which Edman was serving, was in collision with a steam trawler off the east coast of Scotland. As a result of this collision the trawler sank. The accident occurred during a dense fog while the Briggs was proceeding in a single column convoy with seventeen vessels astern of her. When the Master called for volunteers to man a lifeboat, Edman, fully realizing the hazard involved, was one of five who responded immediately. During the search for men in the water, their boat twice narrowly escaped being run down by following ships in the convoy, but nine survivors were nevertheless rescued. To locate and return to the Briggs was a well-nigh hopeless operation in the dense fog, but contact was made with a local coasting vessel which took the survivors on board and towed the boat astern until the Briggs was finally located. Edman's courage, ability and willingness to risk his life to aid seamen in peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine. May 8, 1946

Elliott, Arthur Wilbur
Third Mate, SS Juan Cabrillo
While the SS Juan Cabrillo, was discharging her ammunition cargo at a United States Naval Air Base pier, the vessel was placed in serious jeopardy by a series of violent explosions on the dock. Stuart Remick Clapp, Second Mate, supervised the manning of fire-fighting equipment and the cutting of mooring lines which made it possible to maneuver the vessel from the pier to a safe anchorage. Arthur Wilbur Elliott, Third Mate, immediately rendered first aid to injured shipmates and his efficient execution of orders contributed greatly to getting the ship safely away. [Elliott resided in Seattle, WA] Oct. 31, 1945

Ellis, William M.
Cadet-Midshipman (Deck), SS Abner Nash
While the SS Abner Nash was anchored off the Sicilian coast she was subjected to intensive enemy air attacks for two weeks, mostly at night. William M. Ellis, Cadet-Midshipman, volunteered and assisted in loading the magazines and transporting ammunition to the guns. Despite the vulnerability of the ship, which was anchored at the base of a mountain that afforded the enemy natural protections, the Nash maintained such accurate gun fire that the enemy was repeatedly repulsed. The ship succeeded in delivering her cargo of vital war materiel while beating off a total of 40 enemy attacks. [Ellis was discharged from the US Navy and resided in Philadelphia, PA] Apr. 3, 1946

Enos, Harold E.
SS James Buchanan Apr. 12, 1947

Erga, Paul
Second Assistant Engineer, SS John C. Calhoun
While the vessel was moored on the outboard side of a heavily laden ammunition ship, the SS John Calhoun was set afire by an internal explosion. Though the fire was raging toward the engine room and there was danger of new explosions from high octane gasoline, Connor with the Chief Engineer, and his three assistants, and a fireman, refused to abandon ship and remained aboard throughout the night fighting the fire until it was extinguished. July 22, 1946

Ericksen, Ole H.
Master, Tug Ola G. Olsen
When the munitions laden SS El Estero, burning at her pier, threatened the destruction of other ships and harbor installations, these captains and their courageous crews assisted in unmooring and towing the furiously burning ship into the bay where she could be safely scuttled. This selfless daring and devotion to duty undoubtedly prevented a catastrophe of major proportions which would have seriously impeded our war effort. [Ericksen, born in Norway in 1909, lived in Brooklyn, NY] Dec. 16, 1944

Evensen, Christian
SS Arcata Jan. 22, 1947

Fagan, Robert R.
Able Seaman, SS Esso Little Rock
His ship, MS Esso Little Rock, en route to the Pacific with a cargo of vital war materiel, received a message in the nature of a weighted canvas pouch dropped to the ship's bridge from a Navy PBY flying boat, giving the position of a Catalina bomber forced down in a heavy sea with a crew of eight. The master reached the reported position at 158 miles distance at full speed. There being no trace of the airmen, the vessel cruised for eighteen miles in the vicinity, playing her searchlight. Just as all hope was waning a flare was sighted dead ahead, and the tanker reached the spot in one hour and a half. Fagan, with six of his shipmates manned a lifeboat and, at great personal risk and by skillful maneuvering in the heavy sea, brought the lifeboat under the heavy wing of the drifting bomber as the wing swayed upward and one by one rescued the eight marooned fliers, who otherwise would have perished. [Fagan was from Nekoosa, WI] Mar. 22, 1946

Falley, Lewis B.
Second Mate, SS Matthew P. Deady
In October and November 1944, the SS Matthew P. Deady, in which Falley was serving, took part in the initial invasion of the Philippine Islands in the Leyte area. The vessel had nearly seven hundred Army personnel on board and was loaded with inflammable and explosive war materiel. For many days and nights enemy planes were intermittently attacking all ships in the area. Finally, during moonlight, a suicide plane, badly damaged by gunfire, dove into the Matthew P. Deady's forward deck causing instantaneous and serious fires, both on deck and in No. 1 hold. Falley immediately answered the master's call and took charge of fire-fighting parties on the fore deck. He rallied crew members and Army personnel and directed their efforts with marked ability. The presence of gasoline and ammunition made this an extremely hazardous operation, but in spite of this situation, he led and directed the strenuous efforts of the men until the flames were extinguished. Falley's courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine. Oct. 31, 1946

Fanjoy, Lex
Boatswain, SS Lawton B. Evans
Lex Fanjoy was boatswain aboard the SS Lawton B. Evans at the time the vessel was anchored off the Anzio beachhead when a violent gale and electrical storm broke. The barrage balloon floated from the stern of the ship at the end of a 1,000 foot cable. This wire was anchored to a winch and it became heavily charged with static electricity which discharged near an open hatch containing gasoline cargo in cans. Fanjoy volunteered to cut the balloon adrift when the strain on the wire caused it to jam at the top of the mast. Disregarding the possibility of electrocution, a shock which might cause him to fall, or dismemberment from the whip of the released wire, Fanjoy went aloft and cut the line adrift. Several times he received minor shocks and when he cut the wire he was stunned by an electrical discharge which caused him to fall to the crosstrees below. He was saved from death only by a miracle. [Fanjoy lived in North Woburn, MA] Aug. 10, 1945

Farmer, Lynn J.
Ordinary Seaman, SS Cedar Mills
The tanker was enroute from Australia to India when she became widely separated from her French destroyer escort during a violent cyclone. Upon intercepting an SOS the destroyer was located and found to be in distress with a 45-degree list, unable to raise steam, with food supplies ruined and having lost overboard a number of the crew. High seas with a force 12 wind prevailed. Two lifeboats with volunteer crews, including Farmer, were launched and under extremely hazardous conditions the men succeeded in transferring most of the destroyer's crew, many of whom were injured. This difficult operation lasted two days. It was decided to salvage the destroyer and this necessitated securing a life ring to despatch food and water in, milk cans to the crew remaining aboard the five days the destroyer was in tow. Relieved by a British Man-of-war, the Mills continued to her port. [Farmer lived in Forest Park, GA] May 22, 1946

Farrow, Ernest
SS Mobiloil

Fernholz, Albert F.
SS John S. Copley

Ferris, Noel L.
Third Mate, USAT David W. Branch
While in Alaskan waters his ship, the USAT David W. Branch, intercepted an SOS from a grounded vessel. With full speed in the perilous sea which prevailed, she arrived at the given position and found the stranded ship immersed to her main deck, with eighteen hands still aboard. Ferris, together with several crew members, manned a motor lifeboat and succeeded in rescuing these men. During the return to his ship the motor failed, rendering the boat helpless, broadside to the seas and shipping water. The David W. Branch was skillfully maneuvered close aboard the drifting boat which was finally brought alongside to effect the safe transfer of the imperiled seamen to the ship. His courage and utter disregard for personal danger in going to the aid of fellow seamen will be a lasting inspiration to all men of the United States Merchant Marine. [Ferris was from Seattle, WA] May 13, 1946

Fetter, William
SS Juan De Fuca

Finley, Norman H.
Radio Operator, SS California
In August 1942, SS California, in which Finley was serving, was sunk in mid-Atlantic by both torpedo and gun-fire from a German submarine. The California was not armed. The first torpedo failed to explode whereupon the submarine came to the surface and opened fire, making numerous hits in the neighborhood of bridge, officers quarters and radio room. In spite of the intense shelling at short range, Finley stuck to his radio key, sending out distress signals. Finally the Master ordered the ship abandoned and all hands except Finley left the vessel in two boats. Finley continued his efforts to get help until the ship began to list over to port when he jumped overboard and swam to one of the boats. At about this time the submarine fired another torpedo which sunk the ship a few minutes later. His courage and devotion to duty in remaining at his post after all hands had left the ship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine. [Finley was from Alexandria, VA] July 18, 1946

Fischer, Eric Lothar
Cadet-Midshipman (Deck), SS Abner Nash
While anchored off the Sicilian coast, the SS Abner Nash, in which he was serving, was made subject to intensive enemy air attacks for a period of two weeks. The raids were carried out principally at night owing to the ideal weather which prevailed. Fischer volunteered and assisted in loading the magazines and transporting ammunition to the guns. Despite the vulnerability of his ship anchored at time base of a mountain peak which afforded the enemy natural protection, the Abner Nash maintained such accurate gun fire that the enemy was repeatedly repulsed. The ship successfully delivered her cargo of vital war materiel while beating off a total of forty enemy attacks. Fischer's courage amid utter disregard of personal danger contributed greatly to the safety of the ship and crew, and will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. [Nash was a resident of West New York, NJ] June 4, 1946

Fleming, Thomas H.
SS Arthur Sewall

Flynn, George D.
USAT William Sturgis Apr. 10, 1947

Foley, Joseph
First Assistant Engineer, SS Charles Morgan 06/10/44
The SS Charles Morgan had debarked nearly all of her 500 Army passengers and several hundred tons of equipment for the Normandy beachhead in the initial invasion when the vessel was struck by a bomb in No. 5 hatch, causing her to settle by the stern in about 33 feet of water. Fires were started aft and several men killed. Getting the fires under control, Chief Engineer Joseph Foley, then First Assistant Engineer, searched all quarters for possibly trapped and injured men and left the ship only after she was declared a derelict by the U. S. Navy salvage officer. At low tide Foley and 11 shipmates later volunteered to reboard the ship in spite of continued enemy action. Pumps were manned to keep the engine room dry as possible and make possible the salvaging of valuable stores and equipment. [Foley lived in Lawrence, MA] May 16, 1946

Ford, Ray
Pumpman, SS Cedar Mills
The SS Cedar Mills was enroute from Australia to India when she became widely separated from her French destroyer escort during a violent cyclone. Upon intercepting an SOS the destroyer was located and found to be in distress with a 45-degree list, unable to raise steam, with food supplies ruined and having lost overboard a number of the crew. High seas with a force 12 wind prevailed. Two lifeboats with volunteer crews were launched and under extremely hazardous conditions the men succeeded in transferring most of the destroyer's crew, many of whom were injured. This difficult operation lasted two days. It was decided to salvage the destroyer and this necessitated securing a life ring to despatch food and water in, milk cans to the crew remaining aboard the five days the destroyer was in tow. Relieved by a British Man-of-war, the Mills continued to her port. May 20, 1947

Forrest, [Forest] Harold Van Rensselear
Chief Engineer, SS Richard Caswell
Harold Van Rensselear Forrest, of New York City, was Chief Engineer on the SS Richard Caswell, operated by the South Atlantic Steamship Line, Savannah, Ga. when the ship was proceeding along the South American coast without escort. A torpedo struck and the ship began to sink rapidly. Forest was one of the last men to leave the vessel and just as he jumped over the side a second torpedo struck, showering him with debris and injuring his legs and hands. He towed one of his wipers, who was unconscious, over half an hour until they reached a life-raft. Six days later they and sixteen shipmates were rescued. Feb. 21, 1946

Foster, Edward M.
Master, SS Jonathan Grout
In July 1943, the SS Jonathan Grout, under command of Captain Foster, was attacked by enemy planes, while at anchor off a Sicilian port. In anticipation of such an event, the master had organized fire-fighting parties and stationed them at points of vantage in order to take instant action to prevent ignition of gasoline cargo. Later, when shrapnel fell in No. 1 hold and started a fire, the flames were immediately extinguished and probably prevented a serious casualty. During this attack Captain Foster was twice wounded by shrapnel, but remained at his post on the bridge and had the situation under control at all times. His foresight, courage and marked ability to organize and train his crew to meet emergencies were in keeping with the high standards of the United States Merchant Marine. [Foster lived in Long Island City, NY] Sep. 26, 1946

Fox, Charles
SS Bushrod Washington

Freeman, William R.
Master, SS William Williams
In May 1943, SS William Williams, under control of Captain Freeman, was torpedoed in the vicinity of the Fiji Islands. The torpedo struck aft near the bulkhead between No. 4 and No. 5 holds, causing a vast amount of wreckage, disabling the steering gear and damaging the machinery plant. The ship settled by the stern until her after deck was awash, then steadied and lay dead in the water. After two hours she settled ten feet more but did not sink.

To minimize loss of life, Captain Freeman first abandoned ship, until it was apparent that the vessel would remain afloat, when he returned on board with sufficient men to clear up wreckage and effect temporary repairs. In the meantime distress calls brought friendly aircraft to the scene and in due course a Navy escort ship and a salvage tug arrived to render assistance. There ensued four days of dangerous and extremely difficult operations, calling for a high order of seamanship on the part of the Master and all hands. Finally the vessel arrived at an Allied port. Captain Freeman's courage, leadership and determination to save his ship will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. Dec. 11, 1946

Fryr, Kenneth D.
SS Matthew P. Deady
In October and November 1944, the SS Matthew P. Deady, in which Fryr was serving, took part in the initial invasion of the Philippine Islands in the Leyte area. The vessel had nearly seven hundred Army personnel on board and was loaded with inflammable and explosive war materiel. For many days and nights enemy planes were intermittently attacking all ships in the area. Finally, during moonlight, a suicide plane, badly damaged by gunfire, dove into the Matthew P. Deady's forward deck causing instantaneous and serious fires, both on deck and in No. 1 hold. Fryr immediately answered the master's call, and with five other crew members entered No. 1 hold to fight the fires which were menacing the safety of the ship. The presence of carbide and other highly inflammable materiel made this an extremely hazardous operation. However, Fryr and his companions willingly risked their lives, and after strenuous exertions, finally extinguished the flames. As one of this gallant party Fryr displayed courage, resourcefulness and devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine. Nov. 14, 1946

Gaffey, Hubert S.
MS Motorex Nov. 21, 1946

Gardner, Frank
SS Schoharie

Gately, Albert V.
SS Matt W. Ransom Apr. 26, 1946

Gehrke, Robert Edward
Fireman, SS Gulfbelle
In October 1943, SS Gulfbelle, in which Gehrke was serving, was in collision with another tanker and immediately burst into flames. Gehrke at once dove overboard and swam away from the ship through darkness and a choppy sea, to escape burning oil on the surface of the water. He finally located a charred lifeboat into which he climbed for safety. Noting an exhausted man nearby he dove into the sea and succeeded in helping him into the boat. On three separate occasions thereafter he repeated this difficult performance with the result that he and his four companions were picked up by a patrol boat and landed safely at a nearby port. His courage and very commendable determination to aid shipmates in peril were in keeping with the high standards of conduct in the U. S. Merchant Marine. [Gehrke lived in Chicago, IL] July 30, 1946

Gillis, Joseph R.
SS Schoharie

Gissell, George C.
Chief Mate, SS Lone Jack

Gissel photo at right

In March 1945, the tanker Lone Jack in which Gissel was serving, was rammed and badly damaged by another vessel in the convoy. A large hole was torn in the starboard quarter shell plating with subsequent flooding of the fire room, shaft alley and steering engineroom. The ship settled by the stern, and, due also to winds of gale force with heavy seas, was in very precarious condition. In order to correct the trim of the ship it was necessary to sluice cargo from after tanks to forward tanks, an operation which could be accomplished only after opening a large valve on the main deck. Heavy seas were sweeping across the deck making it extremely hazardous to reach and open the valve. However, the safety of the ship and crew were at stake and in spite of the risk to his own life, Gissel volunteered and successfully completed the perilous task. His great courage, fine spirit and devotion to duty contributed greatly to the ultimate safety of the ship and crew and will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. [Gissell lived in Freeport, NY] Aug. 30, 1946

Gjersvik, Karl B.
Junior Third Mate, SS Kittanning
The tanker SS Kittanning was enroute to Aruba for a cargo of fuel oil when struck by three torpedoes at short intervals. She began to settle with a 45-degree list and "Abandon Ship" orders were given. Later a Coast Guard cutter came to the rescue and found the ship still afloat and on a more even keel. Frank Gibson Breckenridge, First Assistant Engineer, and Karl Bjarne Gjersvik, Junior Third Mate, along with the Chief Engineer and two deck officers, responded to the call for volunteers to reboard the vessel which ultimately succeeded in reaching port where repairs were effected. [Gjersvik lived in Brooklyn, NY] Apr. 19, 1945

Godfrey, C. L.
Steward, SS Collingsworth
In 1942, when your ship, the SS Collingsworth was in Sourabaya, Java, you volunteered to help man a blockage runner being readied for a very hazardous venture in relief of our Army on Bataan. With the swift onrush of the Japanese, it became necessary to blow up the blockade runner in order to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy, and you with all others of her crew, were taken prisoner of war. The failure of your mission does not detract from your willingness to risk your life in a desperate effort to give aid to our embattled Armed Forces. Your courage and loyalty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine. May 27, 1947

Godfrey, Raleigh
SS Capillo

Graham, Walter F.
SS Solomon Juneau

Gray, Hamilton
SS Atlas Dec. 18, 1946

Greenlaw, Edwin Earle
Master, SS Alaskan
Captain Edwin Earle Greenlaw, was Master of the SS Alaskan when struck by two torpedoes enroute from South Africa to Dutch Guiana. The ship began to sink, general alarm sounded, and all hands abandoned ship, the Master being the last person to leave on the only remaining raft, which contained eight men. After a day and a night on the raft, a capsized lifeboat was righted, repaired and rigged with sail. Without compass, sextant or charts, Captain Greenlaw set his course and in 39 days reached a South American port. [Greenlaw lived in Searsport, ME] Feb. 18, 1946

Gresham, Otis E.
SS Matthew P. Deady
In October and November 1944, the SS Matthew P. Deady, in which Gresham was serving, took part in the initial invasion of the Philippine Islands in the Leyte area. The vessel had nearly seven hundred Army personnel on board and was loaded with inflammable and explosive war materiel. For many days and nights enemy planes were intermittently attacking all ships in the area. Finally, during moonlight, a suicide plane, badly damaged by gunfire, dove into the Matthew P. Deady's forward deck causing instantaneous and serious fires, both on deck and in No. 1 hold. Gresham immediately answered the master's call, and with five other crew members entered No. 1 hold to fight the fires which were menacing the safety of the ship. The presence of carbide and other highly inflammable materiel made this an extremely hazardous operation. However, Gresham and his companions willingly risked their lives, and after strenuous exertions, finally extinguished the flames.

Griffin, John H. [Giffin]
Cadet-Midshipman (Engine), SS Abner Nash
While anchored off the Sicilian coast, the SS Abner Nash, in which he was serving, was made subject to intensive enemy air attacks for a period of two weeks. The raids were carried out principally at night owing to the ideal weather which prevailed. Griffin volunteered and assisted in loading the magazines and transporting ammunition to the guns. Despite the vulnerability of his ship anchored at time base of a mountain peak which afforded the enemy natural protection, the Abner Nash maintained such accurate gun fire that the enemy was repeatedly repulsed. The ship successfully delivered her cargo of vital war materiel while beating off a total of forty enemy attacks. Griffin's courage and utter disregard of personal danger contributed greatly to the safety of the ship and crew, and will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. [Griffin lived in Medina, OH] June 6, 1946

Griffin, John M.
SS Alexander Majors Dec. 10, 1946

Griffith, James Frederick
SS Birmingham City Oct. 25, 1946

Grimstad, Peter
Master, SS Josiah Snelling
While the SS Josiah Snelling, under command of Captain Grimstad, was discharging cargo in a small harbor on the coast of Okinawa, she was subjected to attack by numerous enemy planes. Three-fourths of the billets in the ship's battery were filled by Merchant seamen instead of the normal one-half, but the special training, required by the Master, resulted in a very skillful Armed Guard. So accurate was the fire from the vessel's guns that several planes were shot down and many others were hit and driven off. Eventually the ship was attacked by a suicide plane. At the time the power dive began all guns concentrated on this one plane. Hits were undoubtedly made and the course of the plane was deflected from the midship house to a point in the bow, which proved to be the No. 1 hold. Raging fires were started from the effect of the plane's gasoline fuel but her bomb did not explode. A well-disciplined crew immediately manned the fire-fighting equipment and soon extinguished the flames. There were no deaths and only minor casualties to personnel. Captain Grimstad's courage, skill and leadership contributed greatly to the successful defense of the ship, and will be an inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. January 15, 1946 [Photo of Captain Grimstad courtesy of John Ireland]

Grindley, John
Boatswain, SS Cedar Mills
John Grindley, of Mobile, AL, was Boatswain on the SS Cedar Mills at the time of the action for which the ship was awarded the Gallant Ship Plaque. The tanker was enroute from Australia to India when she became widely separated from her French destroyer escort during a violent cyclone. Upon intercepting an SOS the destroyer was located and found to be in distress with a 45-degree list, unable to raise steam, with food supplies ruined and having lost overboard a number of the crew. High seas with a force 12 wind prevailed. Two lifeboats with volunteer crews, including Grindley, were launched and under extremely hazardous conditions the men succeeded in transferring most of the destroyer's crew, many of whom were injured. This difficult operation lasted two days. It was decided to salvage the destroyer and this necessitated securing a life ring to despatch food and water in, milk cans to the crew remaining aboard the five days the destroyer was in tow. Relieved by a British Man-of-War, the Mills continued to her port. Apr. 8, 1946

Gully, John
Master, Tug Beatrice Bush
When the munitions laden SS El Estero, burning at her pier, threatened the destruction of other ships and harbor installations, these captains and their courageous crews assisted in unmooring and towing the furiously burning ship into the bay where she could be safely scuttled. This selfless daring and devotion to duty undoubtedly prevented a catastrophe of major proportions which would have seriously impeded our war effort. [Gully lived in Brooklyn, NY] Dec. 16, 1944

Gustafson, Franklin
SS Henry W. Longfellow
While charging her cargo of high octane gasoline at Bone, Algeria, the SS Henry W. Longfellow was placed in serious jeopardy when fire broke out in No. 3 hold. Gustafson unhesitatingly entered the dangerous space with fire-fighting equipment and with four other crew members brought the flames under control and shifted the heated gasoline drums safely away from the fire. May 27, 1947

Hafslund, Barney O.
SS Antoine Saugrain May 23, 1947

Hall, Peter F.
SS S. Hall Young

Hall, Robert
Able Seaman, SS Elihu Thompson
Robert Hall was an Able Seaman aboard the SS Elihu Thompson when the vessel entering Noumea, New Caldonia with nearly 300 passengers and crew aboard, ran afoul of a mine field, with heavy damage which rendered the ship unseaworthy. In abandoning ship, Hall assisted in lowering a lifeboat, helped to launch two rafts, one of which broke from its towing line. Realizing the necessity for fully utilizing all life saving equipment, he jumped over the side without a life preserver and assisted in recovering and securing the drifting raft, Although exhausted from his efforts, he continued to dive from the raft and bring aboard many helpless survivors. [Hall resided in Long Beach, CA] Jan. 4, 1946

Hansen, Walter R.
USAT Clevedon Jan. 17, 1947

Hanson, Samuel L.
SS Black Point Oct. 4, 1946

Harrington, James*
SS Ruth Alexander

Harrison, Walter R.
SS Gulfdeer awarded on July 3, 1958

Hartsfield, Robert L. Jr.
SS Cedar Mills

Havey, William M.
SS Juan De Fuca Oct. 31, 1946

Hayston, Arthur E.
SS Howard E. Coffin Oct. 22, 1946

Heard, Albert I. Jr.
Oiler, SS Elihu Thompson
Albert I,. Heard, Jr., received the Meritorious Service Medal for action while serving as oiler of the SS Elihu Thompson, operated by the Delarema Steamship Company, New York City. The ship was entering Noumea, New Caledonia, with nearly 300 passengers when she ran afoul of a mine field, resulting in heavy damage which left the ship unseaworthy. Although orders were given to abandon ship, Heard remained in his engine room station and took over the duties of a panic-stricken fireman who ran up on deck. When the chief engineer ordered him to leave, he arrived on deck to find the master and third mate struggling to release a life raft. He assisted in this and rendered first aid to two wounded soldiers, whom he embarked in a rescue boat and accompanied to a shore hospital, where he himself was treated for shock. Later that day he learned that his ship had been beached and the crew ordered to re-embark. He pressed his release from the hospital and returned to the ship. [Heard, who resided in Long Beach, CA was an officer candidate at the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York at the time of the presentation] Dec. 11, 1945

Heath, Philip A.*
SS Stanvac Calcutta

Hensley, Everette
SS Bushrod Washington

Hickey, James A.
SS Grace Abbott Dec. 17, 1946

Hiss, James Howard
SS American Robin Oct. 31, 1946

Hobbs, Clarence H.
Purser, SS James Buchanan
Clarence H. Hobbs was purser aboard the SS James Buchanan which was discharging her cargo of ammunition in a South Pacific port when fire broke out in No. 1 hold as the result of an explosion of a nearby ammunition dump. Hobbs, with members of the deck force, vigorously fought the fire. While the ship was being moved to a safe anchorage, he voluntarily took the wheel in order that the entire deck force might be available to fight the flames. He later rejoined them in finally extinguishing the fire. [Hobbs' home was in Long Beach, CA.] Sep. 24, 1945

Hodak, Peter D. Jr.
SS Lyman Abbott Apr. 30, 1947

Holden, Arthur W.
Chief Steward, SS Francis C. Harrington
Arthur W. Holden was a Chief Steward aboard the SS Francis C. Harrington which was participating in the Normandy beach assault. Below deck, six soldiers had been instantly killed by blasts from enemy mines and twenty others were pinned down by the wreckage. Disregarding the possibility that the seriously damaged ship might sink at any moment, Holden descended into the hold and rendered exceptional service in rescuing the wounded and applying first aid. [Holden served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. He was a resident of New York City.] July 2, 1945

Holm, Martin
SS Joel R. Poinsett

Holmes, Cornelius A.
Master, SS Syros
In the early months of the war, the SS Syros , an unarmed merchant vessel, under the command of Captain Cornelius A. Holmes, was in convoy making the hazardous voyage to a North Russian port. At her last European port of call eight minor calibre machine guns were obtained and mounted in advantageous positions, The Master called for volunteers from seamen whom he organized into gun crews and immediately directed intensive gunnery training. In the numerous ensuing enemy engagements every air attack was driven off. The fact that the ship was later sunk by submarine attack, against which her light armament was ineffective, does not detract from the fine performance of the merchant gun crew in aerial combat. In this last engagement Captain Holmes went down with his ship. [Holmes' widow lived in Oklahoma City, OK] Sep. 18, 1946

Holmes, George Irvin
Chief Mate, SS William Wirt
In January 1943 the SS William Wirt was subjected to four separate enemy bombing attacks while in convoy in the Mediterranean. It was the first experience for many: of the seamen stationed with the gun crews but they served like seasoned veterans. Several planes were shot down and many others damaged or dispelled. This excellent performance was largely due to the skillful training and indoctrination given by the Master and Chief Mate George Irvin Holmes who were also responsible for the high morale in the ship's company. Holmes also helped the Master in maneuvering the ship to keep a maximum number of guns bearing on the planes. [Holmes resided in Richmond Hill, NY] July 12, 1946

Holmes, Orville Roy
Boatswain, SS Bushrod Washington
While in the Gulf of Salerno awaiting orders to shift to another anchorage, the SS Bushrod Washington, was struck by an aerial bomb which exploded in a hold with high octane gasoline. Extensive fires were soon out of control and it became necessary to abandon the ship which soon sank. Two days later the Master asked for volunteers to man an abandoned vessel which had been heavily bombed. William Nikolai Suominen, Deck Engineer, and Orville Roy Holmes, Boatswain, were among the nine men who accompanied the Captain aboard and for several days assisted in removing the bodies of a number of men while salvaging her cargo of ammunition and gasoline. During this operation the helpless ship was subjected to enemy air attacks. The vessel was then safely towed through submarine-infested waters to a North African port. [Holmes lived in New York, NY] May 22, 1946

Holten, Pat*
SS Capillo

Horeni, Martin Franklin
Radio Operator, SS Juan Cabrillo
While the SS Juan Cabrillo was discharging her cargo of ammunition at a United States Naval Air Base pier, the ship was placed in serious jeopardy because of a series of violent explosions on the dock and flying shrapnel. Captain Jack Edmund Wilson was then chief mate and his quick action in supervising manning of fire-fighting equipment and the cutting of mooring lines made it possible to maneuver the vessel to a safe anchorage. Martin Franklin Horeni, radio operator, immediately rendered first aid to injured seamen. Both these men have been presented with the Meritorious Service Medal. [Horeni resided in San Francisco, CA] Dec. 12, 1945

Horn, R. A.
Able Seaman, SS Collingsworth
In 1942, when your ship, the SS Collingsworth was in Sourabaya, Java, you volunteered to help man a blockage runner being readied for a very hazardous venture in relief of our Army on Bataan. With the swift onrush of the Japanese, it became necessary to blow up the blockade runner in order to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy, and you with all others of her crew, were taken prisoner of war. The failure of your mission does not detract from your willingness to risk your life in a desperate effort to give aid to our embattled Armed Forces. Your courage and loyalty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine. May 26, 1947

Huffman, Arthur D.
Ordinary Seaman, SS William Boyce Thompson
Arthur D. Huffman, was Ordinary Seaman aboard the SS William Boyce Thompson, when the tanker was torpedoed off the Brazilian coast and began to sink by the stern. About to debark from the ship, Huffman remembered that an oiler who was off watch was asleep in his quarters aft. Without hesitation he located the shipmate, trapped under a pile of wreckage and almost submerged by the incoming seas. He removed the man and assisted him to the deck and into a lifeboat. Huffman continued to go below to aid other trapped and injured men. [Huffman lived in Arcadia, OH] Feb, 5, 1946

Huffman, Thurman G.
SS Bushrod Washington May 24, 1947

Hughes, James Lawrence
Oiler, SS Charles Morgan 06/10/44
James Lawrence Hughes was oiler aboard the SS Charles Morgan, when the vessel was struck in No. 5 hatch, after discharging war equipment and nearly 500 Army personnel in the initial Normandy invasion. Fires started aft and several men were killed. Getting fires under control, Hughes searched all quarters for trapped and injured men and left the ship only after she was declared a derelict by the U.S. Navy salvage officer. Later at low tide, he and 11 shipmates volunteered to reboard the ship in spite of enemy action and pump the engine room dry making it possible to salvage valuable stores and equipment. [Hughes lived in Arlington, MA] Dec. 20, 1945

Hulihee, Bernard
SS Robert J. Walker Feb. 5, 1947

Hull, Clarence B.
SS Lebaron Russell Briggs
In July 1944, the SS Lebaron Russell Briggs, in which Hull was serving, was in collision with a steam trawler off the east coast of Scotland. As a result of this collision the trawler sank. The accident occurred during a dense fog while the Briggs was proceeding in a single column convoy with seventeen vessels astern of her. When the Master called for volunteers to man a lifeboat, Hull, fully realizing the hazard involved, was one of five who responded immediately. During the search for men in the water, their boat twice narrowly escaped being run down by following ships in the convoy, but nine survivors were nevertheless rescued. To locate and return to the Briggs was a well-nigh hopeless operation in the dense fog, but contact was made with a local coasting vessel which took the survivors on board and towed the boat astern until the Briggs was finally located. Hull's courage, ability and willingness to risk his life to aid seamen in peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine. Jan. 6, 1947

Hunniccutt, Laurens W.
Chief Engineer, SS John Howard Payne
In March 1945, the SS John Howard Payne, was requested by radio to locate and assist possible survivors of an Army plane which had crashed at a given location in the Pacific Ocean seventy miles distant from the ship's position. The master immediately proceeded at full speed to render assistance. On arrival in the area, during darkness, a systematic search was instituted and continued for several hours until a flare was sighted which proved to be from the plane's rubber life raft supporting two men. Weather conditions were unfavorable for rescue operations. The sea was rough and there was a heavy swell running which caused the ship to roll through an arc of 28 degrees. A lifeboat, manned by the chief mate and six others, was lowered with great difficulty and proceeded on its precarious mission. The master maneuvered his ship to afford a lee for the boat. The removal of the two men from the raft and recovery of the boat and personnel were accomplished with great difficulty and at very definite risk to the rescued men and boat's crew.

Ing, Albert
SS President Grant

Iversen, Robert
USAT Eli D. Hoyle Nov. 18, 1946

Jackson, Emel *
Master, USAT Clevedon
The vessel was in an Alaskan port with some 150 soldiers, passengers and crew when an explosion in the engine room turned the vessel into a raging furnace. The USAT Clevedon was carrying a cargo of several hundred tons of ammunition and the fire was gaining uncontrollable headway when the "abandon ship" order was given. With only his three mates and quartermaster still aboard, Capt. Jackson moved the vessel into the stream, where it exploded and sank with the men aboard. This action saved many lives both on board and ashore, as well as important port facilities. [His widow lived in Bellingham, WA] Sep. 7, 1945

Janakos, John
Utility man, SS Edwin T. Meredith
John J. Janakos, utility man, was a crew member of the SS Edwin T. Meredith in November 1945 when the vessel rescued nearly 400 survivors from the U. S. Army Transport Cape San Juan, sunk in the Pacific. Some of the survivors were already in the water while others on rafts jumped into the sea and started swimming toward the Meredith, only to become exhausted. Janakos and four shipmates dove into the shark-infested waters and succeeded in dragging the men to the side of the ship where others of the crew aided in securing lines and hoisting them aboard. The five men rescued at least three survivors each. [Janakos was a resident of San Francisco, CA] July 27, 1946

Jeppesen, Gunnar
SS Stone Street Mar. 7, 1947

Jessen, H. C.
SS Arthur Sewall Apr. 3, 1947

Johnson, Gustaf A.
Master, SS W. S. Rheem
Captain Gustaf A. Johnson was Master of a tanker, the SS W. S. Rheem, enroute to a South Pacific port when she was torpedoed and quickly settled by the head. During preparations to abandon ship the Master noted that the forward bulkheads were holding. By shifting cargo from the forward tanks to the after tanks sufficient buoyancy was maintained to enable the Rheem to reach port and deliver her vital cargo. [Johnson lived in Alameda, CA] Sep. 10, 1946

Johnson, Oscar Clarence
Second Mate, SS Caleb Strong

Photo of Oscar J. Johnson at right

While his ship, SS Caleb Strong, was discharging cargo at a Mediterranean port, a fire broke out in No. 2 hold. At the time, this hold containing boxed phosphorus smoke pots and demolition torpedoes. In other words, there were 3000 tons of bombs. When the fire alarm was sounded the stevedores and dock hands immediately fled from the vicinity. Without hesitation Johnson, together with the Chief Mate, Third Mate and a member of the Navy Armed Guard entered the hold and remained until they had completely extinguished the menacing fire. Later all four of them were given hospital treatment for smoke inhalation and shock. His indomitable courage and disregard of personal danger contributed greatly to the security of the ship and her crew, and will be a lasting inspiration to all seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. [Johnson was from Milford, CT] Sep. 5, 1946

Jones, Edgar A. Jr.
Fireman, SS Bostonian
Edgar A. Jones, Jr. was fireman aboard the SS Bostonian which developed a benzol gas leak in the pump room, endangering the security of the tanker and her crew. The Master refused to allow men to undertake the hazardous task of repairing the leak and insisted upon making the attempt himself. He was overcome by the deadly fumes and Jones and his brother Paul, an oiler, volunteered to rescue the man. Both were provided with the only equipment aboard ship to withstand the gas and since the air lines to Edgar Jones' suit were too short to reach the Master, he remained on the last landing and held a flashlight to assist. Paul Jones was also overcome and died from the fumes and attempts to save the Master were abandoned. [Jones lived in Oklahoma City, OK] Feb. 15, 1946

Jones, Roger H.
SS Francis C. Harrington Apr. 30, 1946

Jorgensen, Alfred K.
Captain SS Seakay
Captain Alfred K. Jorgensen, was in command of the tanker SS Seakay which was struck by a torpedo while loaded with vapor oil and a deck cargo of airplanes. Fire broke out immediately and the ship started sinking fast by the head. Captain Jorgensen ordered lines to attempt extinguishing of the fire then, realizing the impossibility of this, he ordered the ship abandoned. Captain Jorgensen remained aboard, searched all cabins for trapped hands and personally cut off emergency valves to shut down boilers. By this time the vessel had commenced to capsize and he released a raft which he boarded after swimming some distance through oil. [He lived in Houston, Texas] Apr. 5, 1946

Jorgensen, Laurence
USAT Clevedon

Kaufman, John G.
Master, New York Central Tug 32
In August 1944, New York Central Tug 32, commanded by Captain Kaufman, was performing routine duties in New York harbor when explosions were heard and fires noted on the Hoboken water front. The master proceeded immediately to Pier 4, which was aflame, and for over an hour played his fire hoses on the south side of the pier. Upon receiving word that there were barges and a ship in danger on the north side of the pier, Captain Kaufman steamed to their assistance. Despite the hazard of burning gasoline and the known presence of military explosives, the master nosed his tug through a heavy curtain of smoke and succeeded in getting a line fast to a large French freighter berthed in the slip.
Single-handed, Tug 32 then towed the ship away from the flames to a safe anchorage in midstream. Captain Kaufman then returned to the scene and effectively used his fire hoses on barges and pier until the situation was under control. His prompt action in an emergency and his fearless and skillful handling of his vessel in a dangerous operation were in keeping with the high traditions of the United States Merchant Marine. [Kaufman lived in West New York, NJ] Aug. 21, 1946

Kearny, Daniel
SS Joel R. Poinsett Jan. 2, 1947

Keifer, H. E.
Second Mate, SS James Buchanan
While discharging her cargo of ammunition in a South Pacific port, the SS James Buchanan caught fire in No. 1 hold from an explosion of a nearby ammunition dump. H. E. Keifer, Jr., Second Mate, and Joseph Stanich, Third Mate, and other members of the deck force vigorously fought the fire in this dangerous location. While the ship was being moved to a safe anchorage they assisted in getting her clear of the dock and afterward rejoined shipmates in finally extinguishing the flames. [Keifer resided in Oakland, CA] May 22, 1946

Kilpatrick, Dan. C.
Tug Skagit Chief

Kinast, Albert Joseph
Third Assistant Engineer, SS James Buchanan
While discharging her cargo of ammunition in a South Pacific port, the SS James Buchanan caught fire in No. 1 hold as the result of an explosion of a nearby ammunition dump. Through the efforts of the engine room watch, of which he was a member, steam was raised and the machinery plant made ready for operation within the very short period of ten minutes. This remarkable performance, accomplished without injury to the plant, made it possible to move the ship from her dock to a safe anchorage. It also removed the menace to vital shore installations caused by the presence of a burning and possibly exploding ammunition ship alongside the dock. His unfaltering courage in the face of possible death contributed greatly to the safety of the crew and the ship and will be a lasting inspiration to seamen of the United States Merchant Marine. [Kinast lived in San Francisco, CA] Aug. 25, 1946

King, Harry A.
Chief Mate, USAT David W. Branch
While in Alaskan waters his ship, the USAT David W. Branch, intercepted an SOS from a grounded vessel. With full speed in the perilous sea which prevailed, she arrived at the given position and found the stranded ship immersed to her main deck, with eighteen hands still aboard. King, together with several crew members, manned a motor lifeboat and succeeded in rescuing these men. During the return to his ship the motor failed, rendering the boat helpless, broadside to