Posted 10 years ago
LanceG
(17 items)
Great new acquisition from "the forgotten service." Wicker construction Bancroft hat. Bullion eagle and wreath with enamel flag of the American President Line. The APL was an agent of the War Shipping Administration. This hat belonged to an officer, lieutenant commander and lower ranks, likely operating a Victory or Liberty ship during WWII. Nice tribute to the sailors of the US Maritime Service who braved the U Boats to bring troops and supplies for the war effort.
They were truly unsung heroes going out in the middle of the ocean to be shot at while loaded with munitions, fuel etc.. Surely they got combat pay but you seldom read anything about them. I can't imagine getting enough pay to go into a combat zone on a tanker!
Thanks for the comment! I agree, these were amazing men whose sacrifice is under appreciated.