MERCHANT MARINE MARINERS MEDAL

 United States Merchant Marine Joseph C. Churchwell Sr. (Service #236270) was born February 23rd 1915 in Brooklyn, New York.  Joseph enlisted in the Merchant Marine during World War II and served as a ships Purser, he took care of payments and administrative duties aboard the ship. ​

Mr. Churchwell was served aboard the Merchant Marine Steam Tanker SS Carrabulle while on route from Good Hope, Louisiana to San Juan, Puerto Rico carrying a cargo of 42,307 barrels of liquid asphalt.
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In the early afternoon approximately 11:00am on May 26th 1942 the the unescorted and unarmed SS Carrabulle was stopped by Kapitänleutnant Hermann Rasch of U-106 in the Gulf of Mexico by a signal from a siren and a shot across her bow. The U-106 began firing shells at the bridge and the superstructure on the starboard side, while the radio operator was still sending distress signals. The crew of eight officers and 32 Sailors, with the exception of the radio operator left the ship in two lifeboats. One boat held 24 men, including the Master, First Mate, and Mr Churchwell.
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 At the moment this boat reached the water a torpedo struck just below the waterline on port side and blew the boat to pieces. Killing all but 2 men. There was no doubt that the sub commander knew of the ship‘s plight and of the men on board because before firing the torpedo he brought his U-boat alongside the first lifeboat and addressed himself to the occupants, saying; “is everyone off the ship”? “no” was the reply. “OK” then reportedly Rasch laughed and launched the fatal torpedo at 11:34 a.m.
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 When the torpedo was fired the merchant vessel was already sinking, she had many holes had been torn in its sides and was already settling in the water, in addition the order to abandon ship had been given. The tanker sank stern first at 12:30 p.m. The 2 survivors from the destroyed lifeboat were later picked up by the other lifeboat together with the radio operator. 3 surviving officers and 15 sailors were picked up by the American steam merchant Thompson Lykes 15 hours after the attack and were taken to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Joseph Churchwell's wife Mary was presented this Posthumous Merchant Marine Mariner's Medal for her husbands  ultimate sacrifice serving his country during World War II. 
United States Merchant Marine Joseph A Churchwell Sr. is buried at the Bay Pines National Cemetery. Bay Pines, Pinellas County, Florida. 
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