Heroes in Dungarees is the most complete study of the wartime merchant marine ever published. The book is filled with facts about America's extensive maritime supply operations in World War II, yet the focus of the story remains on the men who served and their often heroic actions. A merchant seaman himself, the author spent the war on merchant ships and he frequently draws on his own experiences to describe the action at sea. He also includes the personal stories of other seamen.

All theaters of operation using U.S. merchant ships are covered - a fact that makes this book unique. Others on the subject are limited to particular areas or periods and offer few personal experiences.

. To complete the picture Bunker provides information on events involving the U.S. merchant marine before the country entered the war and addresses the problems of building enough ships and crewing the huge fleet.