MERCHANT MARINES WORLD WAR 2 MILITARY After the work in Hawaii was done, Al returned to his family in Lead for a very short time. The War was still going on, so Al joined the Merchant Marines and went to Baltimore awaiting deployment. He served on board the SS Watertown and USS Wahoo Swamp as Seaman 2nd Class. From April 1944 to November 1945 his wartime service took him to many ports of call, in the US and in other countries. His reports to his family avoided military matters, but he kept them posted about his travels and daily activities. Canal Zone permit to land and depart: ID card for Curacao: Panama City: Baltimore Thanksgiving card to Al from his family: Coney Island Al sent his hand written will to his family On November 26 1945 he received his certificate of discharge from active service. When the Merchant Marines were retroactively made a part of the US Coast Guard in 1988, Al received his Honorable Discharge from the US Coast Guard. His trunk and hat are reminders of his service to his country and for his family His girls remember and honor their father Continue to AFTER THE WAR HomeBrechs 1Brechs 2Brechs 3ReunionsBeautiful Breck GirlsAl & Myrle Nevada GulchEvelynAbbieBettyHomestake to HawaiiWW2 StoryRed Hill Story Merchant MarinesAfter the WarTelstarAl & RubyHobbiesHobbies 2Farewell