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.

How do I get a merchant seaman record?

Sometimes the only way to track down a record of a seaman is to trace the records of the ships he served on. You can use the CLIP (Crew List Index Project) website to trace a ship by the: ship’s name. ship’s port of registration.

What did the merchant marines do 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.

Is the merchant marines a branch of the military?

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. The Merchant Marine receives support from the U.S. Maritime Administration, an agency of the Department of Transportation.

Do Merchant Marines qualify for VA benefits?

They are considered veterans for VA benefits. We don’t often think of Merchant Marines as being eligible for veterans benefits. Currently, only those who served on sea duty during World War 2 are eligible.

What are merchant marines called?

The Merchant Marine, sometimes called the merchant navy, consists of civilian vessels — such as tankers and cargo ships — that import and export goods to other countries.

What is a merchant ship ww2?

These ships were to be manned by merchant mariners and to serve as a “bridge” to carry US manufactured war goods to the Allies who needed them across the Atlantic. Meanwhile, German submarines continued to attack American merchant steamers.

How many British merchant seamen died in ww2?

During the Second World War, 4,700 British-flagged ships were sunk and more than 29,000 merchant seamen died.

What is the difference between a Merchant Marine and a Marine?

Why were the merchant marines called the unsung heroes of WWII?

Merchant mariners were the supply line that provided virtually everything Allied armies needed in order to survive and fight on foreign battlefields.