George M. Wauchope Papers, circa 1920s-1970s

George Wauchope was born in Chicago in 1899. In 1918 he graduated from the New York Nautical School (now SUNY Maritime College). His Master's license was issued when he was 21, and he was given his first command at 23.

Wauchope joined the American Sourth African Line in October, 1923. He remained with that line after its purchase by the Farrell interests in 1925. He served as Master for 10 years and commanded the MV CITY OF NEW YORK, which was the flagship of Farrel Lines Inc.

After coming ashore in 1935 Wauchope's distinguished career with Farrell Lines continued. He was named a Director of the company in 1937, Executive Vice President in 1947, and President 1964-67. Wauchope retired in December 1967 but remained a Director and member of the Executive Committee until May, 1977.

In 1942, Wauchope was ordered to active duty as Commander, United States Naval Reserve. In 1943 he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and was appointed the First Commandant of the U.S. Maritime Service Training Station at Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York. He was ordered to sea duty in 1943 to command the USS DuPAGE and later the USS HAMBLEN. His many decorations include a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Asiatic Pacific with seven stars, and Philippines Liberation with two stars.

For ten years Wauchope served, by appointment of the Governor of the State of New York, as Chairman of the Council of SUNY Maritime College. He was the third president of the National Cargo Bureau, a founder of the Monorovia (Liberia) Port Management Co. and its president for 11 years. He is a recipient of a number of decorations from the Republic of Liberia for service to that country.