The author, James F. “Jay” McCarthy, served 2 years on the RELIEF Lightship LV-78/WAL-505. He speaks with firsthand knowledge of the ship and crew. He was shipmates with a number of the crew that survived the collision and sinking.

Jay had a 35 year career in the old “Bell System”. Starting as an installer of Central Office Switching Equipment in New York City and retiring as a Manager in the BellSouth Network Operations Center near Ft. Lauderdale, FL. After retirement, Jay formed his own company JFM Enterprises, providing Consulting, Project Management and Professional Services to Bell South and AT&T.

Jay and Barbara married in 1965 and currently live in Delray Beach, FL. They have 2 sons, Michael of Mars Hill, N.C., and Kevin of Boynton Beach, FL.