To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in 1945, USAWS is showcasing a WWII Veteran each month. Jim was born on November 7, 1927 in Brooklyn NY, he was orphaned at the age of 13 years old, and has been on his own ever since. With the country at war at that time he joined the Merchant Marine at the age of 16. He started in the engine room of a coal burning ship as a coal passer. Then transferred to the deck department. He was on ships during the North African campaign. Later he continued on ships bringing supplies in support of the D-Day Invasion and liberation of France.