Civilian Crews in a War Zone
As Nazi U-boats struck just miles from U.S. beaches in 1942, the Merchant Marine—made up of civilian volunteers—was tasked with hauling critical war cargo. Lacking military status, they faced deadly attacks in unarmed ships silhouetted by the lights of American cities.
Life and Death in Seconds
Aboard these vessels, danger came without warning. Survivors described fire, oil-slicks, and leaping into open water, often dodging sharks. A moment’s hesitation meant death. Some mariners were torpedoed more than once; one survived ten separate attacks.
High Casualties, Low Recognition
The Merchant Marine suffered a higher fatality rate than any U.S. military branch, with over 9,300 killed. Yet they received no government benefits, and pay stopped the instant a ship sank. Rescue did not mean safety—many went straight back to sea.
Patriots in the Shadows
Despite their sacrifices, mariners were often dismissed as drunks or radicals. But reporters and even Eleanor Roosevelt recognized their bravery. Some had names like Foghorn, No Pants, and Screwball—and most had been torpedoed at least once. They sailed anyway.
In 1942, Nazi U-boats attacked merchant ships off U.S. shores, sinking vessels within sight of beaches.
Aboard were civilian mariners hauling war cargo with no military status, no benefits, and little protection—just courage, quick reflexes, and sheer luck…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/h6N9pqTgFQ
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) May 9, 2025