As the S.S. Columbia Eagle plowed through the calm waters of the Gulf of Siam, the emergency whistle shrieked the signal that all seafarers dread: "Abandon ship!"
The merchant seamen did not have to be urged twice. In the Eagle's hold were 4,525 tons of explosives, a mixed load of 500-lb. and 750-lb. preassembled napalm bombs consigned to U.S. Air Force units in Thailand. Secured on deck were 50 tons of live detonators. While the men, some in their skivvies, were tearing at the lifeboat covers and at work on the davits, Second...
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