According to the U.S. Maritime Service Veterans Association, approximately 8,300 members of the Merchant Marine were killed at sea or as a result of their service during World War II. This figure represents about 1 in 26 mariners who served in the Merchant Marine during the war, giving it a higher casualty rate compared to other branches of the military.

It is important to note that casualty rates vary across different branches and units within the armed forces. For example, certain infantry units in the Army or Marines may have had higher death rates due to the nature of ground combat. The Merchant Marine, being a civilian organization operating in a combat zone, faced unique risks.

Furthermore, the Merchant Marine was not officially recognized as a branch of the military during World War II, which had implications for benefits, recognition, and post-war support. It wasn't until 1988 that the U.S. government recognized the Merchant Marine's contributions during the war and granted them veteran status.

The New York was a 385-foot, 4,989 ton coastal cargo-passenger vessel that first entered commercial service in 1924. She was acquired by the Coast Guard as a training ship on 19 December 1941. She was based at Hoffman Island, New York. She was turned over to the Maritime Commission on 31 August 1942, as the Coast Guard transferred the responsibility for training personnel for the Merchant Marine to the Maritime Commission.

More photos by John Vachon of the Hoffman Island merchant marine training center from July 1942.

"Merchant Marines: An Often Overlooked Branch of Military Service"

That one guy who's looking right at the camera: "Screw this boiler room stuff -- I'm going to become a photographer!"