Claude Perasso - Merchant Marine 1944-1946

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in 1945, USAWS is showcasing a WWII Veteran each month. Claude Perasso was born in San Francisco on May 31, 1926 attending St. Ignatius and leaving before graduation to serve in the Merchant Marine during WW2 in the South Pacific at age 17. After the war Claude returned to San Francisco, attended U.S.F both undergrad and law school eventually serving in the San Francisco Public Defenders Office for sixteen years before being appointed as a judge.

Merchant Marine, MMV, WWIISoldier RideJune 27, 2025Merchant Marine, MMV, WWIIComment

Floyd York - WWII Merchant Mariner

Merchant Marine, MMV, WWIISoldier RideOctober 27, 2023Merchant Marine, MMV, WWII, VeteranComment

Ed “Big John” Laughton - Merchant Mariner WWII

Happy 102nd Birthday to WWII Veteran John Edward Laughton. Born October 13th, 1921, John Edward Laughton was serving as 2nd Officer on the S/S Hobbs Victory when it was attacked by kamikaze aircraft and sunk on April 6, 1945 off of Okinawa. He ended up in a lifeboat saving several of his shipmates. Unfortunately, 11 of his crew lost their lives.

Merchant Marine, MMV, WWIISoldier RideJune 30, 2023Merchant Marine, MMV, WWII, VeteranComment

George T. Worsham - USMM WWII

Remembering George T. Worsham. Captain George T Worsham, 100 years, died peacefully on October 14 at his residence near Powhatan, VA. During WWII Captain Worsham received the Atlantic War Zone with Star medal for direct enemy combat when his ship was torpedoed and sunk by a German Uboat. After a month’s leave he returned to the Merchant Marine and served another 33 years. During WWII he sailed as an Able Seaman and Third Officer. After the war, he sailed as Master Mariner for multiple shipping companies.