Herman "Hank" Rosen grew up in the Bronx and graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He served as a ship's officer during World War II in the Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean, and Middle East. He was awarded the Combat Ribbon with Star, and the Merchant Mariner's medal, while the Russian government recognized his service with a Victory Medal of the Great Patriotic War. After the war he earned a Master's degree from New York University and enjoyed a successful career in public relations and philanthropic organizations. In retirement he was a tireless advocate for securing veteran stratus and benefits for Merchant Mariners. He passed away in April 2013, still working on revising his wartime memoirs. He was survived by three children and three grandchildren.