World War II Honoree

Joseph J. Bernstein

Branch of Service

U.S. Merchant Marine

Hometown

Natchez, Mississippi

Honored By

Missouri DAV Chapter 67

SERVED WITH THE MERCHANT MARINES. ON JUNE 6, 1942 WAS ABOARD THE TANKER SS STANVAC CALCUTTA WHEN THE GERMAN RAIDER, STIER, SANK IT 500 MILES OFF THE COAST OF BRAZIL. HE WAS PRESUMED DEAD AND THE WAR DEPARTMENT ISSUED A DEATH CERTIFICATE ON NOVEMBER 20, 1942. IN 1943 IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT HE ALONG WITH 27 OTHER CREW MEMBERS WERE ALIVE AND HAD BEEN TAKEN TO A PRISONER OF WAR CAMP IN JAPAN; CAMP FUKUOKA.