Worked in the merchant marine. Hemil was also known as Sam. He worked for many years in the U.S. Merchant Marine. He was of Middle-Eastern ancestry. His Social Security dated 11/29/1956 lists a birth date of 7/18/1888. His 1942 draft registration lists a residence of San Francisco and a birthdate of 7/18/1900. Many extant crew lists list his birth year as ca. 1900.