Monroe Fein

Lieutenant Monroe Fein, (b. 1923, d. 1982) was U.S. Naval Officer and decorated veteran of the Pacific campaign; later notable as the captain of the ill-fated Altalena on behalf of the Irgun at the beginning of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

Role in the Altalena Affair
Fein captained the Altalena on behalf of the Irgun from its departure point in Port-de-Bouc, France to the newly formed state of Israel in June 1948. Upon arriving in Israel the ship was shelled causing incredible controversy and antagonism between Israeli military and paramilitary groups. After the shelling of the Altalena many members of the Irgun were arrested, including Captain Fein. The shelling, controversy and political fallout that came from the fight are collectively known as the Altalena Affair.