"I guess everyone has different feelings when they’re in battle. All the time this was going on, I wasn’t scared. I was mad. We were mad as a hornet. We weren’t scared. When it was over with, I got so weak I couldn’t stand up. I was trembling all over." (Video Interview Part 2, 26:59)

James Harding Stancil

James Stancil shortly after re-enlisting, St. Petersburg, FL [10/1942] War: World War, 1939-1945 Branch: Merchant Marine Unit: SS Joseph Conrad; SS Roger B. Taney; SS John A. Dix; SS Frederick Remington Service Location: St. Petersburg, Florida; Sheepshead Bay, New York; Atlantic Ocean; Pacific Ocean; Mediterranean Sea; Indian Ocean; Baltic Sea; European Theater Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade

As a Merchant Mariner during World War II, James Stancil sailed on numerous voyages carrying munitions and other supplies to Allied troops in Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. He began his career as a purser and later became a corpsman, when he performed hand surgery using only a manual for guidance. Stancil survived a torpedo attack off the coast of Brazil, only to be arrested for illegal entry into the country once he made it to shore. After serving for nearly five years in the Merchant Marine, Stancil was dismayed to discover upon his discharge that he was not eligible for the same benefits as other branches of the service.