Bari, Italy Attack

Today marks the 77th anniversary of the German air raid on Bari Harbor, Italy. Seventeen ships sunk, and a catastrophic spill of 100 tons of mustard gas. My grandfather's ship, SS John Bascom was hit right down the center with 3 bombs. He swam to the jetty beside the one life boat, receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. A lot of bravery that night.

 

The John Bascom

 

I'm shocked! I didn't think that a picture existed. What is the Icelandic looking word on the bow?

 

Sorry CAC, but that is/was the SS Tobias Lear. The photo is post-war, after she was sold to the Holland-America Line.

 

Thanks, Fellas,
I think the Bascom was identical to this one.

 

Wht a horrible situation. Once the bombs hit there was not much escape....

 

This documentary was recently put up on youtube:
It was done in 2014. One of the gentlemen interviewed, Warren Brandenstein, was an Armed Guard with my grandfather on the John Bascom. Incredibly poignant.