Who was Elmer Ambrose Sperry?
The S.S. Elmer A. Sperry was launched in October, 1942, ferried troops for the Normandy invasion in June, 1944, and by May of 1945 was at Bayonne, New Jersey, where Herman joined her for the upcoming voyage to the Far East.
Liberty ships were named for deceased individuals who had achieved a degree of fame, although many names would not be recognized today. One name that will certainly ring a bell for the science-minded, however, is Elmer A. Sperry (1860-1930), "the father of modern navigational technology." He earned this title as inventor of the gyroscopic compass, the ingenious device that enables ships and planes to maintain course in all weather conditions. Sperry was a prolific inventor in several areas of technology, with nearly 400 patents to his credit.
For a maritime-themed exhibition, Sperry's name has special resonance. Descriptions of the gyroscope and his other accomplishments may be found on Wikipedia.
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Sperry's papers are at the Hagley Museum & Library in Wilmington, Delaware, an affiliate of the Smithsonian specializing in the history of business and technology.