World War II Facts

Merchant Marines

By Michael S., Derrick G., Colin C., and Jenny C.

   The U.S. Merchant Marines is a privately owned fleet of ships that are used for  transporting cargo to countries at war. The Merchant Marines had a dangerous job. They transported military goods to different countries across the oceans through enemy territory. The Merchant Marines provided the most goods transportation in history between the production army at home and fighting forces scattered around the world in World War II. One out of twenty- six Merchant Marines died in the line of duty. No fewer than 2,603 Merchant ships were sunk.

	Merchant Ship