US Merchant Marine,
Engine Cadet,
Ben Prentice Gafford,

"Arthur Middleton" (AP-55)
It's home port-Mobile, Ala.
Sunk 1 Jan 1943 near Algeria

BenHere is the whole story and he is listed in the lost crew.(pdf)

This ship was fitted for combat in June of 1942.
Merchant Marine ships and crews performed a vital role in the war. They carried the necessary cargo that the military needed and U-Boats (German) tried so hard to destroy supply lines.
The supplies they were carrying - Explosives.

His Family and his Memorial Stone is in WEST HILL

They wore uniforms similar to Navy uniforms, the patch on the shoulder read USMS