Like Mark CARLSON, my grandfather was also aboard the SS Persic. At the moment of torpedo impact he was taking a shower. Having immigrated from Sicily in 1907, and having worked so hard to support his mother, sister and brother, he thought only of his money belt which he had left tucked in his berth. He ran back to his bunk, grabbed his money belt and jumped into the Atlantic with only the belt and a towel. He was picked up by another transport and delivered to Brest, France. From Brest, his unit, attached to the "Acorn Division", was shipped to London, then back to the USA as hostilities ended.

Thanks to Danmak, Franklyn, Lee, Michael and everyone for helping to fill in specifics of my grandfather's ordeal.
Michael Vazzana
mevazz@cox.net