McKeesport to remember its namesake Merchant Marine ship
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
“The Merchant Marines aboard that ship brought aid to millions of people during World War II and thereafter.”
That’s what U.S. Army veteran Frank Tarli of Glassport has to say of the City of McKeesport’s nautical namesake, the S.S. McKeesport — a Merchant Marine steamship that will be paid homage to at noon Monday at the city’s McKees Point Marina.
A German submarine fired a torpedo 76 years ago that sank the steamship. Just before 5:30 a.m. April 29, 1943, the S.S. McKeesport, commanded by Capt. Oscar John Lohr, sank approximately 500 miles off the coast of Newfoundland.
Each year, the City of McKeesport, veterans, local officials and residents pay homage to the ship with a wreath laying, flag presentation, military ceremony and luncheon held at the intersection of Joe Bendel Way (Water Street) and Fifth Avenue.
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