Gallant Ship, Brave Men

About the Book

GALLANT SHIP, BRAVE MEN Gallant Ship, Brave Men is a spellbinding war memoir of life aboard a Liberty ship and twenty-four men’s fight for survival after their ship was torpedoed. One of the few to live to tell this tale, Herman Rosen vividly recounts his experiences in the Merchant Marine, including thirty grueling days in an open lifeboat. This is an epic tale of heroism and sacrifice that builds suspense and proudly records the role of the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II, especially the Cadet-Midshipmen of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. This third edition (2025) includes extensive notes and appendices that further clarify the role Liberty Ships played in World War II.

About the Author

Herman “Hank” Rosen grew up in the Bronx and graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He served as a ship’s officer during World War II in the Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean, and Middle East. He was awarded the Combat Ribbon with Star, and the Merchant Mariner’s medal, while the Russian government recognized his service with a Victory Medal of the Great Patriotic War. After the war he earned a Master’s degree from New York University and enjoyed a successful career in public relations and philanthropic organizations. In retirement he was a tireless advocate for securing veteran stratus and benefits for Merchant Mariners. He passed away in April 2013, still working on revising his wartime memoirs. He was survived by three children and three grandchildren.