"Let me tell you, I wasn't going to let my lack of wealth, my skin color, my sex, or anything else stand in the way of me getting to where I wanted to go. (During the war) we were on a big passenger ship that was converted to a Liberty ship. I will never forget that trip. Twice our ship almost capsized when they would turn quickly to dodge the torpedoes. We heard the ship screech, and you would think the ship was coming apart. The waves would come, and the ship would lurch to the side, seemingly like it would continue going over. We were holding on for dear life and barrels were rolling around. The waves seemed to be a mile high and were on top of the wave. It was like all the water was in the air and the sea was angry. It was definitely an experience."