ALVIN JUSTIS

Cadet Alvin Justis, an engine major, was onboard the liberty ship, SS John Harvey. While in port in Bari, Italy at approximately 1940 on December 2, 1943 the ship was hit with flaming debris from a nearby ship. Unknown to port authorities the ship was carrying Mustard Gas bombs. When the ship blew up both the water and the air became contaminated with the deadly gas. Hundreds died from the contamination. Out of the 78 people associated with the ship only 2 survived, both of whom were ashore at the time of the attack.