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Are WWII Merchant Marines considered veterans?
While in service, Merchant Mariners held rank, wore uniforms, saluted, and served under military justice. But, they got paid union wages, could choose the ships the sailed, and could quit any time they wanted. Because of this, Merchant Mariners of WWII were denied veteran’s status until 1988.
Is the US merchant marine considered military?
It is civilian-manned ships Merchant Mariners are not part of the military. Now, some of them run a number of ships that support the U.S. Navy, like the Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oilers and Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ships, as well as the sealift vessels like the Bob Hope-class vehicle cargo chips.
Are Merchant Marines government employees?
The United States Merchant Marine refers to either United States civilian mariners, or to U.S. civilian and federally owned merchant vessels. In 2004, the federal government employed approximately 5\% of all American water transportation workers.
What is the difference between Marines and Merchant Marines?
Though the Coast Guard manages certification and training, mariners are civilians. The merchant marines are not a part of the military. Some of them work on ships that support the U.S. Navy, but aren’t active members of the military.
When were merchant marines considered veterans?
Although some World War II-era merchant mariners were granted eligibility for veterans’ benefits in 1985 and 1988, the passage of time between their service and the granting of this eligibility may have made it impossible for them to fully access these benefits.
Do Merchant Marines get a DD214?
Application for Merchant Marine Veteran Status DD214 Check with the Veterans Administration for medical and other benefits. Mariner or survivor should complete the following steps and mail to the proper address: Complete Form DD2168. Supply as much information as possible.
What did the merchant marines do in ww2?
Hundreds of merchant marine ships shuttled men, food, guns, ammunition, and other supplies across the Pacific. 44 merchant ships were sunk at Pacific beachheads, countless others damaged by kamikazes, bombers, artillery, or torpedoes while they took part in every invasion.
Can Merchant Marines join USAA?
Who is eligible for USAA membership?? Active duty and retired service members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) or in the Selected Reserve or National Guard; or those honorably separated in 1996 or later from active duty, Selected Reserve or National Guard.
How many merchant marines were killed in World War II?
Approximately 8,000 to 12,000 Merchant Marine sailors were killed. A ship sinks during World War II. And the situations during the sinkings were terrifying. When ships were struck, sailors would have only minutes or seconds to get off the boat and to safety.
What were merchant marines in ww2?
The United States Merchant Marine provided the greatest sealift in history between the production army at home and the fighting forces scattered around the globe in World War II. The prewar total of 55,000 experienced mariners was increased to over 215,000 through U.S. Maritime Service training programs.
Can a merchant marine join the American Legion?
Membership in the American Legion – Page 1. an American Legion Member of American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport Mississippi. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marine of the United States. This means that all Military Personnel now on Active Duty are eligible for Membership in the Legion.
What are the requirements to be a Merchant Marine?
Career Requirements
Degree | Bachelor’s degree for officers; none for entry level mariners |
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Requirements | Between age 17-25; Congressional letter of recommendation; (for officers) drug free; pass background test; U.S. citizen |
Licensing | Transportation Workers Identification Cards; Merchant Marine Credential |
Are merchant mariners considered veterans?
Although merchant mariners have always played an important role in support of U.S. war efforts, they generally have not been considered veterans for the purposes of federal benefits. Currently, only limited groups of World War II-era merchant mariners are eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).3
What is the Honoring our WWII merchant mariners Act of 2017?
H.R. 154, the Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2017, would provide one-time compensation of $25,000 to World War-II merchant mariners to account for benefits they were not able to access before being granted veterans’ benefit eligibility. Schumacher v. Aldridge: Litigation Contesting the Denials of Active Duty Status
Was the Merchant Marine considered civilian service?
“Service in the Merchant Marine was considered civilian service under several different civilian personnel agencies. However, service was considered military in nature for those who served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946.
Who were the merchant mariners in World War II?
Ships built during World War II American Merchant Marine Heroes and their Gallant Ships in World War II Merchant mariners were on the front lines the moment their ships left U.S. ports, and were subject to attack by bombers, kamikaze, battleships, submarines, mines, and land-based artillery.