The Merchant Marine, often overlooked, played a crucial role in both wartime and peacetime, navigating treacherous waters to transport goods and personnel. Civilian merchant mariners faced immense dangers, particularly during World War II, making them essential, yet often unacknowledged, contributors.
The Merchant Marine in World War II: Early Casualties and Critical Support
The vulnerability of merchant ships and their civilian crews was tragically evident early in World War II. On December 7th, the Japanese submarine I-26 sunk SS Cynthia Olson, a merchant vessel transporting lumber and personnel from Tacoma, Washington, to Honolulu. All aboard perished, marking some of the first American casualties of the war. That same day, SS President Harrison was attacked, and 167 mariners were taken prisoner.
In response to these attacks, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the War Shipping Administration (WSA) in 1942. The WSA was responsible for controlling and operating American merchant vessels, coordinating shipbuilding, and replacing older ships. Despite these efforts, civilian mariners faced significant risks, transporting war goods and troops across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Facing Perilous Conditions: The Atlantic and Pacific Theaters
Merchant mariners braved terrifying conditions in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. German U-boats targeted ships in the Atlantic, especially during the dangerous Murmansk Run, where they delivered supplies through icy waters to Russian ports. In 1942 alone, nearly 100 ships were sunk by German submarines, resulting in the deaths of thousands of mariners.
Along the East Coast of the United States and into the Gulf of Mexico, German submarines patrolled the waters, sinking over 70 ships. Constant fear permeated the lives of mariners due to surprise attacks, such as the German air raid on Bari, Italy, in December 1943. This attack destroyed five American Liberty ships, including SS John Harvey, which carried 100 tons of mustard gas bombs, leading to the deaths of hundreds of mariners, Allied military personnel, and civilians.
In the Pacific, the conditions were just as treacherous. On April 6, 1942, Japanese planes attacked SS Bienville in the Bay of Bengal. The ship had just completed a mission transporting manganese ore, jute, burlap, and general cargo from Calcutta to Colombo. Of the 43 mariners aboard, only 19 survived the attack.
The Realities of Captivity: The Story of Joseph Vernick
Historian Michael Gillen documented the experience of Joseph Vernick, who joined the Merchant Marine in October 1941. By the end of December, he was stationed in Manila, assisting the Army in transporting supplies to Corregidor and Bataan.
On January 3, 1942, Vernick and his crew were captured by the Japanese and held as prisoners for three years. When rescued, Vernick and 123 other mariners suffered from starvation, disease, and injuries from physical punishment inflicted for attempted escapes.
Why Join the Merchant Marine? Motivations and Compensation
Given the hazardous conditions, what motivated individuals to join the Merchant Marine? Some were too old for traditional military service or were rejected due to medical reasons but still sought to contribute to the war effort. Others, like Melvin Schroeder, joined thinking it would be safer than other branches of the military, only to find it was a dangerous assignment.
While the pay was a factor, it did not necessarily outweigh the risks. Civilian mariners earned between $87 and $100 per month, plus a $100 bonus while in war zones. In comparison, an Army private earned $50 per month under the Pay Readjustment Act of 1942.
Recognizing the Mariner’s Contributions: Overcoming Misconceptions and Achieving Veteran Status
Rumors circulated that members of the Merchant Marine were draft dodgers seeking deferments. However, the draft board recognized service in the Merchant Marine as vital to the defense of the country. Despite this, mariners often faced skepticism and were not initially recognized as veterans.
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and President Franklin D. Roosevelt acknowledged the crucial role of the Merchant Marine in the war effort. FDR advocated for similar benefits for mariners as those in the GI Bill.
However, it wasn’t until 1988 that a US District Judge ruled the Department of Defense’s stance as arbitrary and unfair, finally granting veteran status and GI Bill eligibility to mariners who served between 1941 and 1945.
The Legacy of the Merchant Marine
The Merchant Marine’s contributions during World War II were critical to the Allied victory. Despite the dangers and lack of initial recognition, the men and women of the Merchant Marine persevered, ensuring vital supplies and personnel reached their destinations. Their dedication and sacrifice ultimately earned them the recognition they deserved, solidifying their place in history.
