For all of the men and women who put their lives on the line to fight fascism during World War II, the heroes that finished the conflict with the highest casualty rate weren't soldiers at all.
Civilian merchant mariners became members of the United States military when they were tasked with delivering supplies and military equipment to bolster combat efforts around the world. Facing the danger of active combat zones without the defense capabilities of military ships, 9,521 Merchant Marines lost their lives over the course of the conflict. Translating to a 10% rate, no other military branch suffered casualties at a clip that high.
Here are 21 pics to honor the brave civilian military heroes of Word War II.
1
Merchant Crew and Navy Armed Guard
Practice operating a 20mm gun onboard ship.
2
Merchant Marine Seaman
On SS Portland Park, 1944.
3
A Merchant Marine
At the wheel during World War II.
4
Raising the Flag
“Setting Recognition” in WWII.
5
Merchant Mariners
Working in a training ship’s boiler room.
6
Gunner
With 4 inch Gun, 1944.
7
Merchant Marine Radio Operator
Posing holding signaling light.
8
2nd Mate
On a Merchant Marine ship, 1945-47.
9
Firing a Six-Inch Naval Gun
The USS Dover, a training ship.
10
Merchant Marine
Engineers From SS Portland Park, 1944 or 1945.
11
Aft End
Aboard either the SS Portland Park or SS Rockland Park. 1945-47.
12
Hoffman Island
Merchant marine training center off Staten Island.
13
“My Grandpop in the Merchant Marines”
“He joined when he was 14.”
14
Merchant Marine
Photo in the 1940s.
15
Merchant Marine Seaman
Giving a military funeral, 1943.
16
“My Grandma”
“She served in WWII as a merchant marine. Photos are circa 1943.”
17
“My Grandfather”
“When he joined the Merchant Marines in 1944 at the age of 16.”
18
“Liberty”
World War II Merchant Marine ship.
19
Merchant Marine
Friends Serving in Europe. 1944.
20
Merchant Marines Wanted
Recruiting ad nearing the end of World War II.
21
World War II U.S. Merchant Marines
Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service in 2022.
