Jack Rodgers
Radioman

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Jack Rodgers died in September 1994. Jack was a tireless worker for Project Liberty Ship and, to the very end of his life, he was dedicated to the establishment of a first class merchant marine and U.S. Maritime Service museum aboard the BROWN.

He collected and cataloged many hundreds of artifacts donated by our members and almost singlehandedly filled two compartments in the ship's #3 'tween deck with the first-rate museum exhibits.

As his health deteriorated it was more and more difficult for Jack to get down to the ship but, with help, he made it as often as he could. When the JEREMIAH O'BRIEN visited Baltimore in August 1994 Jack struggled to get aboard, but he made it, representing the BROWN to the end.

Jack Rodgers was a good seaman, a patriotic American and a loving family man. We at Project Liberty Ship extend our sympathy to his family and his many friends. He will live on in our hearts and in the work he accomplished aboard the JOHN W. BROWN.

Awards:
Atlantic and Pacific War Zone Bars and Victory Medal.
Certificate of Substantially Continuous Service.
Honorable Discharges from U.S.Coast Guard and Army.
First class radiotelegraph license with service and radar endorsements.
Amateur radio license W3TFR.

September 1944
- Enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Service at Baltimore, MD. at age 16.
- Attended Sheepshead Bay and Hoffman Island training schools, Sections R25 and R27.
- Commissioned as Lt.(j.g.) USMS.

World War II
- Sailed as radio officer during World War II and peacetime.
- Sailed on seven Liberties - SS JOHN LAFARGE, SS ERNEST W. GIBSON, SS HENRY BALDWIN, SS GEORGE M. BIBB, SS NATHANIEL ALEXANDER, SS RICHARD J. HOPKINS, SS FRANCIS VIGO; T-2 tanker SS SIDELING HILL; two ore ships, SS STEELORE and SS SANTORE; and two Hog Islanders, SS FLUOR SPAR and SS ALCOA VOYAGER.

Postwar
Employed by the Bendix Corporation in Towson, MD, for 22 years, holding various positions in electronic design, engineering, administration and management. Associate Professor of Real Estate and Business at Catonsville Community College.

Memberships:
AMMV JWB Chapter
Curator of AMMV/USMS Museums
Life Member Project Liberty Ship
Historic and Radio Committees
Society of Wireless Pioneers (SWAP)
Veteran Wireless Operators Association (VWOA)
U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II
Gallups Island and Hoffman Island Radio Associations
Appointed by Governor Schaefer as a member of the World War II Memorial