Moeller, William L.

Description

William L. Moeller was born In Erie, PA, November 5, 1919 To Paul F. and Freda Wagner Moeller. In Rye he lived at 94 Wappanocca Ave. At an early age William was working on ships and in 1940 was employed by the Waterman Steamship Co.

William enlisted and served in the US Merchant Marines during World War II. He continued his service throughout the war and from 1943-1945 was a crew member on the SS Stephen G. Porter. (SEE MUSTER ROLL)

The SS Stephen G. Porter was a Liberty ship built in the United States during World War II, named after the Republican U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania, Stephen Geyer Porter. Her first voyage was in November 1943, traveling from San Francisco to Townsville, Australia. For the next 20 months, she primarily plied routes between Australian ports and Australian/U.S. troop bases in New Guinea and surrounding islands, with occasional trips back to San Francisco.

After this we have no definitive information on William. We do have from the 1950 census a William L. Moeller who moved back close to his hometown of Erie. The census tells us that this Willliam was a bartender and owner of a restaurant, married with two children.

Description from 1940 Draft Card

Name: William Louis Moeller
Race: White
Age: 21
Birth Date: 5 Nov 1919
Birth Place: Erie, Penn.

Residence Place: Rye, Westchester, New York
Registration Date: 5 Jul 1941
Registration Place: Orleans, Parish, Louisiana, USA

Employer: Waterman Steamship Co., Hibernia Bldg, New Orleans, Orleans, La.

Weight: 133 lbs
Complexion: Ruddy
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Blonde
Height: 5” 4 1/2″
Next of Kin: Freda Weiss