Carlson, Konrad H.

Konrad H. Carlson was born in Sweden on August 7, 1900. He went to sea at age 15, and became a Master Mariner, and was Master of sailing ships, including the Ruth E. and the Brynhilda. He was naturalized as a United States citizen in 1927. During World War II, he served in the Pacific as a U.S. Navy Lt. Commander. After World War II, he worked for Pope & Talbot Steamship Company. He was also a Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Captain Carlson was Master of the Baton Rouge Victory, a ship operated by States Lines of San Francisco, when it struck a mine near Saigon on August 23, 1966. The ship had a hole ripped in the side approximately 16 ft. by 40 ft. Captain Carlson immediately ran the vessel into shallow waters, preventing the blockage of the channel. Seven seamen were killed in the explosion. Captain Carlson was a member of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots from 1934 to his retirement in 1973. He died at the Veterans Hospital at Fort Miley, San Francisco on May 18, 1995.