Cunningham

Photo was taken after we came back aboard the Binney. All Navy except the Army cargo officer, 2 Merchant Marine Officers. We were taken in tow by two tug boats out of the shipping lanes and into shallow waters where she sank.

A photo of me standing sea watch in the North Atlantic Ocean. - Bill Cunningham U S Navy Armed Guard

Taken after the Binney was towed into shallow waters. Dropped the one anchor so she wouldn't drift. The anchor and chain on the Starboard was let loose to run free to lighten the load so she could be towed in. I was standing in that gun tub when the torpedoed hit our ship. I was blown up about 8 feet against the gun barrel. Fell back down on the deck. Then came the time trying to get to the life boats. Couldn't get through the steam from the broken steam pipes. Did finally.

US Navy. Armed Guard Service. Served on three Kaiser Cargo Liberty Ships as a Naval Gunner. These Liberty ships were owned by private companies, operated by civilians, and the U S Navy furnished the guns ammo. The Gunners had to stand all Sea Watches.