Marmur, Jacland "Salute to Youth"

A bit too much coincidence mars this otherwise interesting short story dating to the period after the start of World War 2 but before America’s entrance into the conflict as a combatant. Set in the South Pacific, on and in the waters surrounding the Japanese-controlled island of Saipan, Marmur’s tale involves stolid Captain Ira Bentley, American skipper of the tramp freighter ALTURAS, who goes against his perceived image (his crew call him “Old Ironface” for his stolid, unquestioning obedience to rules) to assist a young botanist escape the wrath of the Japanese military. Marmur’s writing, mirroring American public opinion circa 1940, makes it plain that he distrusts the Japanese and foresees eventual conflict with them.