Unknown by the others, Slezak was steering the lifeboat towards a rendezvous with a Kraut ship. The fewer people aboard, the more rations for him.
Also, remember when this picture was made. The Hun will kill without mercy or remorse, and with as much concern as if swatting a fly. Typical of the war years propaganda, although, as my father and uncles (who all saw combat in WWII) always pointed out, it was always better to err on the side of caution - if you saw one, you shot him.

Last Edited By: Reegs Dec 28 08 3:47 PM. Edited 1 times.