World War II Honoree

Hugh Arthur Hampson

Branch of Service

U.S. Merchant Marine

Hometown

Hempstead, New York

Honored By

Catherine McNally

Relationship

Daughter

FIFTY-TWO YEARS OLD WHEN JAPAN ATTACKED PEARL HARBOR ON DECEMBER 7, 1941. AFTER HEARING PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT DECLARE WAR, DECIDED TO RENEW LICENSE TO COMMAND SHIPS. TOOK EXAM AT KINGS POINT MARITIME ACADEMY ON LONG ISLAND, RECEIVED LICENSE AND RANK OF COMMANDER IN THE MARITIME COMMISSION. SAILED FOR FIRST TIME AGAIN ON THE EASTERN GUIDE ON SEPTEMBER 1942. SAILED ALL DURING THE WAR, BRINGING SUPPLIES AND TROOPS ACROSS THE FROZEN NORTH ATLANTIC TO SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND. WAS ON THE JULIUS ROSENWALD IN THE ENGLISH CHANNEL ON D-DAY, 1944. DUTY WAS TO BRING OUR TROOPS HOME, WOUNDED OR WELL. TOOK CHARGE OF VICTORY SHIP THE SS BRANDON VICTORY IN MAY 1945. IT WAS RIGGED AS A HOSPITAL SHIP. SAILED FROM MAY TO OCTOBER 1945 BRINGING HOME WOUNDED FROM SHORES OF FRANCE AND SOUTHERN ENGLAND. RECEIVED MANY RIBBONS FOR SERVICE TO COUNTRY AND A LETTER FROM PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN, THANKING HIM FOR SERVING.