Merchant Marines

Merchant shipping was vitally important to Allied operations during WWII. Military battle plans were dependant upon enormous quantities of war supplies, provisions, and equipment from vessels called Liberty Ships. The Merchant Marines aggressively recruited volunteer mariners to man theses ships. Because there was no emphasis on age or physical standards, they often enlisted retired seamen and men who were too young, too old, or physically unfit for the other services. A greater percentage of Merchant Marines died from war-related deaths than any other other services.

"You bet I'm going back to sea! Register at your nearest U.S. Employment Service Office.
U.S. Merchant Marine.
War Shipping Administration. Man the Victory Fleet."
WWII recruitment poster.