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Liberty Ships
During the Second World War, The J.A. Jones Construction Company assembled Liberty Ships at the southern tip of the Brunswick peninsula. These Liberty ships transported supplies to soldiers in the European and Pacific theatres. in December 1944, the shipyard employees constructed seven ships in one month, setting an unbroken record. Working on Christmas Day for no pay, this accomplishment was no small feat as the facility only contained berths for six ships undergoing construction. Remains of the berths are visible at low tide from the Sidney Lanier Bridge.
Commendation to J. A. Jones Construction Company
The J.A. Jones Construction Company received a letter of commendation from the crew of the U.S.S. POMPON for working on Christmas Day for no pay. Below, is a representation of the letter, but you may see an image of the actual letter online as well.
U.S.S. POMPON (SS267)
Care of Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
27 December 1944
The J. A. Jones
Construction Company
Brunswick, Georgia
Gentlemen:
The undersigned, members of this sunmarine crew,
operating "somwhere in the Pacific", sincerely appreciate
the efforts shown by your employees in speeding victory by
volunteering to work on Christmas Day, without compensation.
We believe that this kind of support will bring
the men out here home quicker, to spend future holidays
with their families and loved ones.
Sincerely,
Crew of the U.S.S. POMPON.
(Signatures appeared here)
Memorabilia
Commision Medal
Maritime commision medal awarded to employees of the J.A. Jones Shipyard. Courtesy of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society.
Merchant Marine Dog Tags
United States Merchant Marine dog tags belonging to Ellis Bessels and Frederick Clark, both of Brunswick. Merchant marines manned liberty ships during each voyage through the end of the war.
Liberty Ship Related Pins
Launching the S.S. Crawford
Launching of S.S. George W. Crawford. Mrs. J.M. Aiken, Sponsor.
Location: 802 London Street, Brunswick, Georgia.
Date: January 1, 1944.
Photograph by Harold J. Terhune
Photographs at the Berths
