"Well, I hoped. I hoped. I think that was one reason I was able to survive. I still retained hope. People ask me, ‘Well, how did you survive?’ I said, ‘If I hadn’t come home, my mother would’ve killed me.’" (Video Interview, 45:27)

Herman Eric Rosen

Herman Rosen [2008] War: World War, 1939-1945 Branch: Merchant Marine Service Location: Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; Mediterranean Sea; Middle East Rank: Lieutenant Commander Place of Birth: NY

Herman Rosen longed to be at sea, and he got his opportunity after he graduated from the Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, New York. However, his dream became a nightmare after his ship was torpedoed by two Italian submarines off the coast of South Africa, and he was forced to abandon ship to a lifeboat with 23 other men. After capsizing in rough seas on the eighth day, the men survived, but lost all of their supplies, including food. After thirty harrowing days at sea, the survivors--down to five men-- were rescued.