The United States Merchant (Mariners) Service a Brief History

Acknowledgments:

Information is compiled from information provided by Harold "Bud" Schmidt. A special acknowledgement goes out to Dan and Toni Horodysky and their web site of the American Merchant Marine at War Without their dedication, their hard work along with having their permission to use their graphics and information found on their web pages, I would not be able to have created this web page locally.

The Beginning:

The Merchant Marine Act of 1936, was enacted by the 74th Congress of the United States on June 29,1936. It created the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Maritime Service to, "Serve as a Naval or Military Auxiliary in time of War or national emergency."

1938 U.S. Maritime Service established," for the education and training of citizens...for the safe and efficient operation of the Merchant marine of the United States at all times...The Ranks, grades and Ratings for the personnel of the U.S. Maritime Service shall be the same as for the personnel of the U.S. Coast Guard.

During WW II, the USMS was administered by the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy. Furthermore, many young men were sent to the Maritime Service by both the Navy and Coast Guard recruiters with the phrase,"That's your services are needed". The USMS was the only Service that did not discriminate racially.

Their struggle to be recognize and receive status as VETERANS?

Even though the U.S. Maritime Service was an official, uniformed, armed service created by the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. They had a very long, hard, and difficult up hill battle to receive their recognition and status as a veteran.

When the war ended and a Merchant Seaman returned home, he returned without travel pay expenses, mustering out pay, state or/and federal pensions, disability benefits, all Federal Veterans benefits (just to name a few) No home loans at a reduced rate in interest payments, G. I. Loans, on the job training with journeymen's wage scale, paid college education with living expenses, medical and dental payments, and much more.

1977 WASP's seek Veterans Status, with a separate bill offered by Senator Barry Goldwater, a retired Air Force General, but Congress insisted on procedures for any other groups to apply. The Air Force Secretary was designated by the Defence Secretary to administer the Civilian/Military Service Review Board.

The WASP's received veteran status shortly after the bill was signed into law. It included instructors, staff, and even ones who "washed out" of the program. However, the Civilian/Military Service Review Board consistently rejected applications by the U.S. Merchant Marines for their Veterans Status. Applications by the U.S. Maritime Service for veteran status were denied 4 times by the so-called Civilian Review Board run by the Air Force.

In 1988, the Secretary of the Air Force, "Declared" August 15,1945 as the end of WW II for the Merchant Marine, thus denying many proper recognition. Only those Mariners who sailed in "Ocean-going waters" before that date were given Veterans Status. Status for U.S. Maritime Service staff and instructors, as well as those in training prior to that date were ignored.

In 1988, the House Resolution 44, "The Merchant Marine Fairness Act", which would correct the date was blocked in four Congresses due to efforts by a few legislators and the U.S. Air Force lobbying.

Some WW II mariners got veteran status on January 19, 1988, after a long court battle. Mariners who went to sea on August 15, 1945, serving in wartime in hazardous waters, got veteran status on November 11, 1998. The federal court ruled that the Air Force Secretary, "Abused his discreation..applied unstated and vague criteria... frustrated...purpose of implementing regulations..." Trail showed blatant discrimination against the Mariners. Furthermore that they were not treated "equally under the law," in direct violation of the Constitution

In 1996, the Secretary of the Air Force is quoted for calling the U.S. Merchant Mariners as a, "subculture"

In 1997, HR-1126 introduced in Congress to change date. 1998 HR-1126 again re-introduced along with HR-2946 and S-61, as yet nothing done with them.

U.S. Merchant Marine Casualties and Ship Loses :

Most of this information was located on the American Merchant Marine at War web site. Thanks again to Toni and her husband for their permission.

Unfortunately, the U.S. Merchant Mariner has no official historians and researchers. But current statistics, primarily compiled by Captain Arthur Moore, show the following casualties:

• 8,651 mariners killed at sea
• 11,000 wounded
• 1,100 died from their wounds ashore
• 604 men and women taken prisoner
• 60 died in prison camps
• over 700 POWs . Many still unaccounted for
• Originally, estimated 731 vessels were sunk with another 40 ships and crews lost without a trace. Today the count is 866

The Massacre of the SS Jean Nicolet

The Liberty ship SS Jean Nicolet was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine on July 2, 1944, off Ceylon (Sri Lanka). She had a 41-man crew, plus 28 Armed Guard, 30 passengers and an Army medic. All survived the explosion. They were taken aboard the sub and their lifeboats and rafts were sunk. With their hands tied behind their backs they were forced to sit on deck. Japanese sailors massacred many with bayonets and rifle butts. Thirty survivors were still on deck with their hands tied when a British plane appeared. The sub crash-dived, washing the survivors into the sea. Only 23 were rescued.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Merchant Marine:

Most of this information was located on the American Merchant Marine at War web page covering frequently asked aquestions about the Merchant Marine. Thanks again to Toni and her husband for their permission.

Were they better off as the U.S. Navy personnel

NO!! Their pay STOPPED when their ship was sunk and not resumed again until they signed aboard another vessel. The seamen had to purchase his own clothing and supplies. A Merchant ammunition vessel has a complement of 32 seamen, while a comparable ship operated by the U.S. Navy has a crew of some 200 sailers.

Were Merchant Mariners "draft dodgers"?

NO!! In fact, all merchant mariners were subject to the draft if they took more than 30 days shore leave. Experienced mariners who had been drafted were released by the Army to serve in the Merchant Marine. Harold Harper "dodged" the draft by beingtorpedoed 6 times. Nick Hoogendam, who was too young for the Army or Navy, spent 83 days on a life-raft drinking rainwater and eating "sushi." John Stanizewski, a mariner in WWI and WWII, had 10 ships knocked out from under him. Michael Horodysky was classified 4F in the draft due to a bad heart and sailed the dangerous Murmansk run and took part in the North African invasion. The Chief Engineer of the SS Peter Kerr, sunk in Convoy PQ17, had a wooden leg. Harold "Bud" Schmidt joined the Merchant Marine as one-eyed 16-year-old kid.

Were Merchant Mariners subject to court martial?

Yes!! Merchant Marine crews were subject to Articles of War and court martial during WWII. Six crewmen of a Liberty ship did hard labor for refusing to work in a dispute with shoreside stevedores over loading tanks for the invasion of Sicily. Ray Thompson, Brigadier General, USAF (Ret.) and a former mariner, compiled a list 81 mariners court martialed or arrested after August 15, 1945, mostly for assault, theft, or being AWOL.

Have they been falsely portrayed since WW II?

YES!! During the War, gossip columnist Walter Winchell and others spread untrue stories about mariners refusing to unload at Guadalcanal, supposedly leaving the job to sick marines. Winchell and the newspapers that carried these stories lost the libel suits filed against them, and were forced by the court to apologize, print retractions, and to pay damages. Unfortunately, the myth that mariners refused to unload ships in Guadalcanal persists.

How can I find information about a relative who served in the Merchant Marine?

For U.S. Coast Guard discharges and records send Name, Date of Birth, Death Certificate if deceased, Social Security number, Address, and Z number [if known] to: Director (NMC-4A), U.S. Coast Guard, National Maritime Center, 4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 510, Arlington, VA. 22203-1804. Note: No fee required.

For record of service in the U.S. Maritime Service, U.S. Army Transport Service, U.S. Military Sea Transportation Service, U.S. Military Sealift Command:

Send inquiry with Social Security number, Date of Birth, Service number if known to: National Personnel Record Center, 111 Winnebago Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63118.

How do I research the history of a World War II era ship?

Visit ? Vessel Information
Log Books for ship voyages are kept at a National Archives Regional Center closest to the port from which the ship sailed. Visit the National Archives Web Site. For troopship info visit: Dad's War

How do I apply for veteran status for service in the Merchant Marine during World War II?

Contact the U.S. Coast Guard.

How do I find a Veteran Administration facility?

Visit Welcome to the Facilities Locator Web site

Can a Mariner have an Honor Guard for his funeral?

Where available, the U.S. Coast Guard, on request, will provide an Honor Guard for Merchant Mariner Veterans' funeral services. It should be stressed that not everywhere in the country is the Coast Guard able to provide this service. Most likely restricted to the coastal areas or waterway areas where the Coast Guard maintains stations. Further, on request, the Coast Guard will deposit Mariner Veterans' ashes at sea.

How can I order a headstone or marker for a deceased veteran?

To receive a headstone or marker for an eligible veteran or service member, one must apply on a VA Form 1330. You may find information about VA's headstone and marker program on Department of Veterans Affairs or call 1-800-827-1000. Many funeral homes also have blank VA-1330 forms that you can use to apply for a headstone. Merchant Seamen lost at sea during WW II may have a stone placed in a special area of National cemeteries . Family must provide proper documentation. Contact Veterans Administrator in your area.

How do I find out about medals and decorations due me or a relative?

Make a written request to Patricia Thomas, Medals and Decorations, U.S. Maritime Administration, Room 7302, Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590.

Did women serve in the WWII Merchant Marine?

Before the outbreak of WWII, women served as stewardesses, hairdressers and similar positions on passenger ships, but lost their jobs when the government took over the ships. In a letter to President Roosevelt, Betty Jackson said: "We are not afraid of the dangers." Her request was turned down, but official records show that 3 women were awarded the merchant marine combat bar after their ships were torpedoed and 4 women were POWs.

How were mariners recruited in WWII?

The pre-war merchant marine had about 55,000 active mariners. A big newspaper and radio campaign by the government brought out many who had left the sea, and attracted young recruits. Navy and Coast Guard recruiters sent thousands of young men to the 37 official U.S. Government Recruiting Offices of the U.S. Maritime Service ,the training organization set up by the government. The U.S. Maritime Service trained about a quarter of million men. The USMS staff and trainees are denied veteran status by the Secretary of the Air Force.

How does one join the Merchant Marine or so you want to go to sea?

The United States Coast Guard regulates and issues the necessary documents for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Contact the U.S. Coast Guard (U.S. Government Department of Transportation in your phone book) or write to Commandant, US Coast Guard, 2100 Second St. SW, Washington, DC 20593.

Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship operates an entry level training program for young people seeking careers in the US maritime industry. This Unlicensed Apprentice Program is free of charge and program graduates receive a US Merchant Mariners Document/Ordinary Seaman with Water Survival and Fire Fighting Endorsements. Veterans of the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Coast Guard who possess shipboard ratings may be eligible for participation in an abbreviated training program. PO Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674, 1-877-235-3275, (301) 994-1659

Where can I buy a Merchant Marine flag?

National Capitol Flag Co.1-800-368-3524
American Flag and Gift, 800-441-FLAG [3524]
Any Flag

Does the Merchant Marine have its own hymn?

In 1943 a "Maritime Hymn" was composed by Buddy Clarke and Ruby Melnik, but the official song of the U.S. Maritime Service and U.S. Merchant Marine is "Heave Ho, My Lads."