SS America First-Class Passenger List (21 January 1948) – Notable Passengers, Military Officials & Aristocrats on a Historic Voyage
Explore the first-class passenger list of the SS America (21 January 1948) on its voyage from New York to Southampton via Cobh & Cherbourg. Featuring Admiral Forrest Sherman, European nobility, diplomats, and high-ranking military figures, this list captures a defining moment in post-war transatlantic travel. Discover notable individuals, onboard luxury, and the ship’s historical significance.
Front Cover of a First Class Passenger List from the SS America of the United States Lines, Departing 21 January 1948 from New York to Southampton via Cobh and Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain Harry Manning, Captain, USNR. GGA Image ID # 166a3c850a
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: Captain Harry Manning, Captain, U.S.N.R.
- Executive Officer: Leroy J. Alexanderson, Cmdr., U.S.N.R.
- Chief Engineer: Patrick Brennan, Captain, U.S.N.R.
- Chief Purser: John A. Lock
- Senior Assistant Purser: Edward Laflin, Lt. Cmdr., (S.C.) U.S.N.R.
- Chief Surgeon: John Sheedy, Lieutenant, U.S.C.G.
- Assistant Surgeon: John G. O'Brien, Captain, U.S.A.
- Chief Steward: Arthur Carey
- Second Steward: Herman Mueller
GREETINGS
We bid you a hearty welcome on board the AMERICA, the largest, fastest and finest ship of the American Merchant Marine.
It is the aim and endeavor of our Company to maintain on this great liner, service and cuisine of the highest standards, and to provide every facility which will add to the pleasure of the voyage. Every officer and every member of the crew is interested in your welfare and will do his utmost to insure your comfort and happiness while on board.
We hope you will thoroughly enjoy your crossing!
First Class Passengers
- Mr. William B. Abert
- Mrs. Julian Allen
- Miss Mary E. Allen
- Master Frederick Allen
- Mr. Laurance Armour Jr.
- Dr. Richard Augenblick
- Mrs. John H. Bacon
- Mr. R. T. Tupper Barrett
- Mrs. Barrett
- Miss Joan Barrett
- Mr. C. H. Battye
- Mr. Stanley Bauer
- Mr. Jean Bernard
- Mr. William Bleck
- Mrs. Bleck
- Mr. Roger Bloch
- Mr. Raymond Boas
- Mr. Ricardo Bouroncle
- Mrs. Bouroncle
- Mrs. Juliette Boxhorn
- Mrs. Anne M. Britt
- Master Albert S. Britt
- Master William O. Britt
- Mr. Isaac Carciente
- Mrs. Carciente
- Miss Margret Cody
- Mr. Alexis Colleuil
- Miss Dorothy L. Colyar
- Mr. Robert Conyes
- Mr. Joseph Cunningham, Jr.
- Mrs. Cunningham
- Mr. Jack Dabek
- Mrs. Dabek
- Count Dona Dalle Rose
- Countess Dalle Rose
- Countess C. Roussel De Courcy
- Baroness De Foucaucourt
- Mr. Jean Paul Drognon
- Mrs. Drognon
- Mr. J. Kemp Drysdale
- Mr. W. C. Duvall
- Mrs. William Easton
- Master William Easton, Jr.
- Mrs. Valentine Esmond
- Mr. Keeler Faus
- Mr. J. Morgan Fauth
- Mrs. Fauth
- Mr. W. M. Field
- Mr. Walter J. Fox
- Baroness M. Wodehouse Fox
- Miss Mildred Fraser
- Mrs. Esther Frazier
- Miss Anna Freiburghaus M
- r. Arthur Frimond
- Mrs. Louise Brooks Fry
- Miss Mary Jane Fry
- Mr. Meer Fuchs
- Miss Iris Gabriel
- Mr. George C. Gaede
- Mrs. Gaede
- Mr. Charles Gersbach
- Mrs. Christine Ghetu
- Mrs. Antoinette Gide
- Mr. C. D. Glendenning
- Mr. Morris Gold
- Mr. Laurent P. Goldberg
- Mrs. Goldberg
- Mr. Oscar Gottlieb
- Princess Helena Gourielli
- Mrs. S. E. Graeff
- Miss Sidney Ann Graeff
- Master John Graeff
- Mrs. Anneliese Graetz
- Mr. Alan Gregg
- Mr. Raymond Greilsamer
- Mr. Theodore J. Hadraba
- Miss Flora Harris
- Mr. Rene Hausenball
- Mr. William Heilbein
- Mrs. Heilbein
- Mr. Max B. Heim
- Mrs. Heim
- Mr. Patrick Henry
- Mrs. Henry
- Mr. J. Herrenschmidt
- Miss Margaret M. Herrick
- Mrs. Mary E. Herrick
- Mr. Pablo Herzig
- Mrs. Carter Chapin Higgins
- Col. Henry Hine, Jr.
- Mrs. Hine
- Miss Helen P. Hine
- Mr. Henry J. Hirtzel
- Dr. Nathan Hollander
- Mr. Fritz Horwitz
- Miss Jane C. Hutchinson
- Mr. George Jablow
- Mrs. Jablow
- Mr. Jacques Jacobson
- Mr. Modar Jan
- Miss Dorothy M. Jenkins
- Mr. H. M. Jolly
- Mrs. Edna H. Kase
- Mrs. Else Feist Katz
- Miss M. Patricia King
- Mr. Robert Knox
- Mr. Frank Korff
- Miss Mona May Korff
- Mr. Icek Korn
- Mrs. Korn
- Mr. J. Kott
- Miss Mary Kourembis
- Mr. E. H. Kyle
- Lt. Col. Howard S. Leach
- Miss Rae A. Levine
- Mr. Arnold Licht
- Mr. C. Liechti
- Miss Marcia Lindgren
- Mr. Frederick B. Lyon
- Mr. Justin MacCarthy
- Miss Minnie Magazine
- Mr. Louis Marr
- Mr. A. G. Masterson
- Mrs. John Merrill
- Mrs. Despina Messinesi
- Mr. Franz Meyer
- Mrs. Meyer
- Mr. William Michlin
- Miss Maxine Miller
- Mrs. Annie McCallum Miner
- M/Sgt. William B. Minyard
- Mrs. Minyard
- Miss Karol Minyard
- Mr. Thomas A. Monroe
- Mrs. M. Montgomery- Charrington
- Mr. L. E. Moore
- Mr. George Morgan
- Mr. V. Morrison
- Mr. David L. Moss
- Mrs. Moss
- Miss Carolyn Nash
- Mr. Norman Norel
- Mrs. Blima Nussbaum
- Dr. Werner Oppikofer
- Mr. Arthur A. Palmer
- Mrs. Liza Paravicini
- Mr. Martin Park
- Mrs. Park
- Mrs. Nona McAdoo Park
- Miss Billie R. Parrent
- Mrs. Jean L. Petersdorf
- Miss Kay Petersdorf
- Miss Parul Petersdorf
- Master John Petersdorf
- Mr. Harry Pilchman
- Mr. Emilio Pinocely
- Mrs. Pinocely
- Master Rene Pinocely
- Miss Maria Pinocely
- Miss Anna Maria Pinocely
- Mr. Jack Poses
- Mrs. Poses
- Mr. Rene Prévost
- Mrs. Prévost Mr. Alex Pruzan
- Mr. Van W. Rosendahl
- Mr. Frank S. Samuels
- Mr. Arthur Schwartz
- Mrs. Schwartz
- Mr. B. Schwartz
- Admiral Forrest Sherman
- Mrs. Sherman
- Mrs. Sophie M. Shonnard
- Mr. Andre Simon
- Mr. Walter E. Singer
- Mrs. George Palen Snow
- Miss Marianne Souza
- Mr. William Spencer
- Mr. Fred Spitalny
- Miss Irene Stancik
- Mrs. Rupert Stern
- Miss Elizabeth Stoyak
- Miss Nancy Taylor
- Mr. Maurice Tiktiner
- Mr. Angiolo Treves
- Mrs. Treves
- Mr. Jacob Trob
- Mr. Gonzalo Ulloa
- Mr. James E. Valentine
- Miss Cecilia Valle
- Mrs. Ruth M. Vange
- Miss June Vange
- Miss Beatrice Vulcan
- Mr. Paul Vulkan
- Mr. George R. Wadleigh
- Mrs. Wadleigh
- Miss Mary Wadleigh
- Mr. Herbert Weiner
- Mr. William J. Weigele
- Mr. Harris Weinstein
- Mr. Sidney Weiss
- Mr. John C. Weller
- Mrs. Weller
- Mr. Maurice Werblud
- Mrs. Werblud
- Mr. James Lee Williamson
- Mr. Norman C. Wyer
- Mrs. Victoria Youngman
- Miss Irene Zerner
Information for Passengers
Information Forms. Please fill out and return your Information Form to the Purser's Office, at your very earliest convenience. The information requested is necessary for the completion of passenger manifests and landing cards, the ordering of train equipment, etc. Failure to provide this information promptly may delay your debarkation.
Amusements on Board: Moving Pictures, Bingo Gaines, Horse Races, Deck Game Tournaments, Bridge Tournaments, Dancing and other activities on board, will be listed on the bulletin boards and in the ship's newspaper.
Baggage: Information regarding baggage matters may be obtained by consulting the Baggage Master whose office is located on the Main Deck forward (near Purser's Office). The Company accepts no responsibility for baggage or parcels left on board, except by arrangement with the Baggage Master.
Baggage Room: The Baggage Room is open to Passengers from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. daily. Special arrangements may be made during other hours by applying at the Purser's Office or the Ship's Baggage Master's Office.
Baggage Insurance: The Company's liability for loss of or damage to baggage and valuables is strictly limited, but Passengers can protect themselves by Baggage Insurance which may be purchased at the Purser's Office on board.
Barber Shop and Beauty Salon: These facilities are located on the Main Deck aft. A schedule of prices is posted in the shops, including the following:
Barber Shop
- Shave: $ 0.50
- Haircut: $1.00
- Tonic: $0.35
- Manicure: $1.25
Beauty Salon
- Hair Trimming: $1.00
- Hair Set: $1.50 and up
- Facials: $3.00 and up
- Manicure: $1.25
Bellboy Service: Bellboys are available at all times during the day, answering calls in the absence of the Bedroom Steward or Stewardess. They will also deliver messages at the Passenger's request.
Cables and Telegrams (Please also see Radiograms and Radio- Telephone Services): These are received at the Radio Office forward on the Sports Deck for dispatch and should be handed in at least an hour before the arrival of the steamer at any port.
Catering: Arrangements may be made with the Chief Steward to continue any diet, necessary to the Passenger's health or habits during the voyage. Passengers are also invited to advise the Dining Room Headwaiters of their preferences in diet and cooking so that every attention can be given to their wishes.
Changes in Accommodations: Changes in accommodations can be made only by the Chief Purser, who must collect difference in fare, if any. A receipt will be issued on the Company's official form.
Children's Playroom: The Children's Playroom is located on the Sun Deck aft. A Matron is in attendance.
Complaints: It is the desire of the Company and the Ship's Staff to make your crossing as pleasant as possible. Any complaint regarding service should be reported promptly to the Chief Purser or the Chief Steward so that corrective action can be taken immediately.
Customs Examination: In order to avoid difficulty in Customs examinations, all articles liable to duty must be declared. Passengers should consult the Chief Purser or Baggage Master for the latest available information regarding the Customs regulations of any specific country.
Deck Chairs, Chair Cushions and Steamer Rugs: Deck Chairs can be rented for the voyage on application to the Deck Steward at $2.00 each; Chair Cushions, $1.00 each; Rugs, $1.50 each.
Divine Services: Protestant Service is held Sundays at 11:00 A.M. in the lounge.
Roman Catholic Mass is celebrated in the Lounge. The hours of the Masses are announced on the bulletin boards and in the ship's newspaper. A permanent altar is available and complete facilities for celebrating Holy Mass are at the disposal of Roman Catholic clergy by arrangement with the Chief Purser.
Doctor (Ship's Surgeon) : The Doctor's Office is located on Main Deck aft. The Doctor is authorized to make customary charges, subject to the approval of the Commander, for the treatment of illnesses not originating on the voyage. In the case of illness contracted on the voyage, no charge will be made. Medicine prescribed will be provided free in all circumstances. A Registered Nurse is in attendance.
Doctor's Office Hours: 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P. M.
Dogs, Cats or Other Animal Pets: Pets are not permitted in staterooms, public rooms or on the passenger decks, and must be placed in care of the Kennel Attendant. The kennels are located on the Sports Deck.
Electrical Appliances: Passengers are cautioned against using electric irons or other appliances in staterooms, because of the serious danger of causing a short circuit in the lighting system.
Please call your Bedroom Steward before attempting to use current for any except usual purposes.
Electric Baths and Massage: Appointments can be made with the Attendant in Charge by Arrangement with the Purser's Office.
The services of a Masseur and a Masseuse are available. Hours:
- Women: 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
- Men: 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Price List:
- Cabinet Bath: $2.00
- Shower—Scotch Douche: $0.50
- Rub—Alcohol: $0.75
- Rub—Oil: $1.00
- Rub—Salt: $0.50
- Scrub: $1.00
- Sun Treatment: $1.00
- Massage—Local: $2.00
- Massage—General: $2.50
- Massage—Stateroom: $4.00
Fire and Lifeboat Stations: Passengers are urgently requested to familiarize themselves with the notice in their staterooms regarding Emergency Station and Life Boat Number, and also to take part in the Fire and Boat Drills.
Fire Precautions: Passengers are particularly asked to use care when disposing of cigar or cigarette ends and matches and to place them in the receptacles provided for the purpose in the different parts of the ship. Do not throw overboard lighted cigar ends or cigarette butts as they may be drawn into open ports and cause fires. Careful observance of this request is earnestly urged of all Passengers.
Gymnasium : The Gymnasium located "C" Deck amidships, is fitted with apparatus for general exercise and is in the charge of an experienced Attendant. Open 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Passengers are requested to be careful while using the facilities provided as the Company cannot be held liable for any injuries sustained.
Handball Courts: Two Handball Courts are situated on the Sports Deck.
Interpreters: Should the services of an Interpreter be required; application may be made at the Purser's Office.
Laundry: A limited laundry service is available to passengers. A list with prices may be obtained at the Purser's Office. Your Bedroom Steward or Bellboy will pick up and deliver laundry to your room. Settlement of laundry account should be made directly with the Purser not later than the day prior to debarkation.
Library and Writing Room: This room is located amidships on the Promenade Deck and is in the charge of the Library Steward, who will provide writing paper and envelopes, and from whom United States Postage Stamps for mailing on board may be purchased.
Library: The books in the Library, which may be obtained upon application to the Library Steward, are for the use of passengers, free of charge. The cooperation of Passengers is requested in the prompt return of books as soon as they have been read.
Liquor Purchases: Liquor brought on board by or for Passengers, intended for landing upon arrival in the United States, cannot be considered as baggage and the company will assume no responsibility therefor.
The Company will however arrange for such liquor to be kept in the custody of the Baggage Master, who will issue a check against which delivery will be made on the pier, at the same time and place all other baggage is assembled for Customs inspection.
The Company does not assume liability for parcels of liquor taken into and kept in the stateroom.
Lost and Found Articles: These may be claimed or left at the Purser's Office.
Mail: Passengers are requested to call at the Purser's Office for Mail and Telegrams, where forwarding addresses may also be left.
Meal Hours: Passengers are earnestly requested to observe the FIXED HOURS for meals.
Compliance with this request will aid the Chief Steward and his Staff to maintain a high standard in the kitchen and improve the service in the Dining Room, and your cooperation will he greatly appreciated by the Officers and Crew of the ship and the Management ashore.
When One Sitting
- Breakfast from 8:00 A.M.
- Luncheon from 1:00 P.M.
- Dinner from 7:00 P.M.
When Two Sittings
- Breakfast: 8:00 A.M. and 9:15 A.M.
- Luncheon: 12:00 Noon and 1:15 P.M.
- Dinner: 6:00 P.M. and 7:15 P.M.
Ocean Press News: The latest news and the closing prices of the various Exchanges, received by radio, are printed in this paper, which is published daily and distributed to Passengers without charge.
Passenger Restriction: First Class Passengers are not permitted to enter Cabin or Tourist Class accommodations.
Payments on Board: Passengers are requested to obtain a receipt on the Company's form for any additional passage money, deck chair, steamer rug or chair cushion hire, cables, telegrams or baggage charges paid on board.
Photographer: The ship carries an expert photographer who will make individual or group pictures by appointment made twenty- four hours in advance with either the Lounge Steward or at the Purser's Office.
When conditions permit, the photographer will also develop passengers' negatives and make prints at reasonable rates.
Ports in Ship's Side: Passengers should not attempt to open ports. The Bedroom Steward will render this service when desired, provided it is not contrary to the Commander's orders and weather conditions permit. Careful observance of this precaution will avoid accidents, assure the comfort of Passengers, and will prevent injuries to Passengers and damage to baggage and personal effects.
Portable Typewriter: A Noiseless Portable Typewriter is available without charge for Passengers' use. The Purser's Office will deliver it to your room upon request.
Postage Stamps: These can be purchased from the Library Steward. Letters can be mailed on board.
Professional Gamblers: Passengers are reminded that professional gamblers are reported as frequently traveling on transatlantic passenger ships and are warned to take precautions accordingly.
Radio-Telephone (Ship to Shore Telephone Service) : Information concerning this service may be secured at the Radio Office, forward on the Sports Deck.
Radiograms (Please also see Cables and Telegrams) : Messages are accepted at the Radio Office, forward on the Sports Deck or the Bellboy assigned to the Radio Office will call for your message if a request is telephoned to the Radio Office.
Round Trip Passengers: Passengers holding return tickets, who are undecided about their addresses abroad, should send this information to the nearest office of the Company as soon as possible after landing, so that they may be promptly advised of possible changes in sailings and other matters pertaining to their return passage.
Those who hold return tickets are requested to communicate with our nearest office immediately on arrival in Europe or the United States to confirm their reservations and learn of any necessary formalities to be arranged prior to sailing.
If for any reason the holder of a return ticket is unable to travel by the sailing indicated on the ticket, immediate advice should be sent to the Company's nearest office so that the accommodations held may be resold and other reservations arranged. Otherwise the passage money may be forfeited.
Seats at Table: The Second Steward is in charge of the Dining Room and will assign table seating, if not previously arranged. Reservation Desk is located in the Main Deck Foyer.
Service Clubs: Rotarians, Kiwanians, Lions and members of similar organizations are invited to register their names at the Purser's Office so that the ship's officers may be able to acquaint them with other members of their respective organizations who are traveling in the ship.
Shoe Cleaning: Shoes will be cleaned and polished if left outside the stateroom door at night.
Swimming Pool: The Swimming pool, located "C" Deck amidships, is open daily from 7:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. and from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. No charge is made for the use of the pool and mixed bathing is permitted at all times.
Valet Service: Valet Service is provided for the convenience of passengers. Apply to your Bedroom Steward for this service:
Price List—Men's Garments
- Suit (2- or 3-pieces): $ 1.00
- Cost: $0.75
- Trousers: $0. 50
- Topcoat: $1.00
- Heavy Overcoat: $1.25
- Tuxedo Suit: $1.25
- Full Dress Suit: $1.50
- Sport Shirt: $ 0.50
Price List—Women's Garments
- Suit (Coat and Skirt): $1.50
- Skirt: $1.00
- Jacket: $0.75
Recap & Summary of the SS America Passenger List – 21 January 1948 🚢📜
The SS America, flagship of United States Lines, embarked on an illustrious voyage departing New York on 21 January 1948, bound for Southampton via Cobh (Ireland) and Cherbourg (France). This first-class passenger list not only provides insight into post-war transatlantic travel but also showcases a diverse roster of passengers, including military officials, aristocrats, entertainers, and influential professionals.
Commanded by Captain Harry Manning (U.S. Naval Reserve), a highly respected mariner, this voyage reflected the resurgence of ocean liner travel in the wake of World War II. Manning was renowned for his expertise in maritime operations and had played a role in Amelia Earhart's ill-fated 1937 flight, serving as her original navigator before stepping away from the mission.
Noteworthy Passengers & Their Significance 🌟
🔹 Admiral Forrest Sherman (U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Operations) – One of the most influential military figures of the era, Sherman would go on to serve as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) from 1949 until his sudden death in 1951. His presence on the SS America signifies high-level transatlantic military relations in the early Cold War era.
🔹 Lt. Col. Howard S. Leach (U.S. Army) – A ranking military official likely involved in post-war military and diplomatic affairs.
🔹 Count & Countess Dalle Rose and Countess C. Roussel De Courcy – These European aristocrats highlight the continued presence of nobility in transatlantic travel, possibly linked to diplomatic or social engagements.
🔹 Baroness M. Wodehouse Fox – A member of the British nobility, likely associated with one of the prominent Wodehouse families of England.
🔹 Princess Helena Gourielli – This name suggests a connection to the Gourielli (Gurieli) dynasty of Georgia, a noble family with ties to Russian and European aristocracy.
🔹 Dr. Nathan Hollander – A medical professional, possibly contributing to post-war medical advancements or involved in global health diplomacy.
🔹 Jean Paul Drognon – A French businessman or dignitary, reflecting the commercial ties between the U.S. and Europe in the late 1940s.
🔹 Andre Simon – Likely the renowned wine expert and gastronome, an influential figure in international wine and culinary circles.
🔹 Meer Fuchs & Laurent P. Goldberg – Possible Jewish émigrés or business professionals, reflecting the post-war movement of intellectuals and merchants.
Historical Context & Relevance 📖
This voyage of the SS America represents a pivotal time in post-war ocean travel:
✅ Rebuilding Global Connections – As Europe emerged from WWII devastation, ocean liners served as essential links for diplomacy, business, and social exchange.
✅ Military Influence on Ocean Travel – The presence of high-ranking U.S. Navy and Army officials demonstrates the strategic importance of transatlantic routes for military logistics and intelligence-sharing.
✅ Aristocracy & Transatlantic Social Circles – The presence of European nobility and diplomats highlights ongoing social engagements between American and European elites.
✅ Jewish Migration & Business Expansion – With notable Jewish passengers onboard, this list hints at post-war migration patterns, as Jewish families sought new opportunities in both Europe and the U.S. after the Holocaust.
Ship Amenities & Passenger Experience ⚓🍽️
The SS America was designed for luxury and comfort, offering:
✅ First-Class Accommodations – Spacious staterooms with elegant furnishings.
✅ Social & Recreational Activities – Including a library, gymnasium, swimming pool, beauty salon, barber shop, and an onboard photographer.
✅ Fine Dining & Entertainment – A formal dining room, deck game tournaments, live music, and dancing provided passengers with world-class entertainment.
✅ Professional Services – Passengers had access to interpreters, masseurs, and valet services, ensuring a seamless journey.
Noteworthy Image Highlights 📸
🖼️ Front Cover of the Passenger List – A glimpse into first-class travel documents, emphasizing the prestige of the SS America.
Final Thoughts 🚢
This passenger list is more than just a record of travelers—it’s a snapshot of global history, diplomacy, and social exchange in the post-war world. For genealogists, maritime historians, students, and professors, it offers valuable insights into who was traveling, why they were aboard, and how transatlantic travel played a role in reshaping the modern world.
This is an essential document for anyone researching the late 1940s, the history of the SS America, or elite transatlantic travel in the golden age of ocean liners. 🌍✨
