Wilmington Launches Its 65 th Liberty Ship

From the February 20, 2013, Wilmington (NC) Star-News "Back Then."

FEBRUARY 7, 1943--  The SS Matt W. Ransom , the 65th Liberty Ship launched by Wilmington's North Carolina Shipbuilding Company.  It was named for a Confederate General from North Carolina who later became a US senator.

FEBRUARY 9, 1943--  Among rationed items in the Wilmington area:  shoes, fuel oil, sugar, gasoline, general groceries, tires and coffee.

GreGen