Awards and Decorations of the United States Merchant Marine

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Elegant neoclassical architecture of the Merchant Exchange Building in Philadelphia.
Credit: pexels.com, Elegant neoclassical architecture of the Merchant Exchange Building in Philadelphia.

The United States Merchant Marine has a long history of bravery and dedication, and their awards and decorations reflect this. The Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal is the highest award given to the Merchant Marine, and it is awarded to those who have performed exceptionally meritorious service.

The Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal is a gold medal with a blue ribbon, and it is awarded to those who have performed exceptionally meritorious service. The medal is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel who have distinguished themselves by outstanding achievement.

The Merchant Marine Medal is a silver medal with a blue ribbon, and it is awarded to those who have performed meritorious service. The medal is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel who have distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement.

The Merchant Marine War Zone Medal is awarded to those who have served in a designated war zone. The medal is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel who have served in the war zone for a specified period of time.

USMM Decorations

Credit: youtube.com, Merchant Marine Medals, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Afghan, Iraq Merchant Marine Medals.

The USMM Decorations are a way to recognize the service and contributions of Merchant Mariners. The Distinguished Service Medal is one of the highest honors awarded to Merchant Mariners.

The Meritorious Service Medal is another prestigious award that acknowledges exceptional service. The Gallant Ship Citation is a special recognition for ships that have demonstrated bravery and dedication.

The Outstanding Achievement Medal is awarded to Merchant Mariners who have made significant contributions to the maritime industry. The Korean Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal are civil decorations awarded for service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

The Vietnam Service Medal, in particular, is a military award that recognizes service during the Vietnam War. To be eligible, service members must have served on temporary duty for more than 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days in the Republic of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos between 1961 and 1973.

Here is a list of some of the USMM Decorations:

World War II Awards

Credit: youtube.com, Merchant Mariners of World War II Get Awarded Congressional Gold Medal | EWTN News Nightly

World War II Awards were a significant part of the United States Merchant Marine's recognition system. The awards were designed to honor the bravery and dedication of merchant mariners who served during the war.

The Atlantic War Zone Ribbon was awarded to merchant mariners who served aboard ships in the Atlantic war zone between December 7, 1941, and November 8, 1945. This War Zone comprised the North Atlantic Ocean, South Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Barents Sea, and Greenland Sea.

The Defense Medal was one of the World War II Campaign Medals awarded to merchant mariners. The Defense Medal was awarded to those who served in a defensive capacity during the war.

The Pacific War Zone Medal was awarded to merchant mariners who served aboard ships in the Pacific war zone between December 7, 1941, and November 8, 1945. This War Zone comprised the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and surrounding waters.

Winners with Medals on Hands
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The World War II Victory Medal was awarded to merchant mariners who served during the war and were still on active duty on September 2, 1945. This medal was a way to recognize the contributions of merchant mariners to the Allied victory.

Here is a list of some of the World War II Campaign Medals:

Gallant Ship Unit Citation

The Gallant Ship Unit Citation is a prestigious award given to vessels and their crews for outstanding or gallant action in marine disasters or other emergencies. It's a significant recognition of their bravery and selflessness.

The citation is awarded to both United States and foreign flagged vessels that participate in these heroic actions. At the center of the ribbon is a silver seahorse device, a distinctive symbol of the award.

Nine ships, including the SS Marcus Daly, have been awarded the Gallant Ship Unit Citation for their bravery in the face of danger.

Explore further: Unit Dose Pack

Combat Awards

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The Merchant Marine has its own set of combat awards, which are designed to recognize outstanding acts of bravery and service. These awards are authorized by the Secretary of Transportation.

The Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to individuals for outstanding acts, conduct, or valor beyond the line of duty. This is the highest award that can be given to a Merchant Marine.

Other awards include the Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal, which is given for meritorious acts, conduct, or valor in the line of duty. There is also a decoration or medal that can be awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and extraordinary heroism under conditions of danger to life and property.

The Defense Ribbon was awarded to members of the merchant marine who, but the specific details of this award are not provided in the article section.

Additional reading: Marine Transport Line

Decorations and Citations

The United States Merchant Marine has a range of decorations and citations to recognize the bravery and service of its members. These awards are authorized by the Secretary of Transportation and are designed to be similar to those awarded to members of the armed forces.

Credit: youtube.com, U.S. Navy Personal Medals and Decorations

The Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Gallant Ship Citation are among the awards that can be given to Merchant Marines. These medals are awarded for outstanding acts, conduct, or valor beyond the line of duty, and for meritorious acts, conduct, or valor in the line of duty.

Here are some of the decorations and citations that can be awarded to Merchant Marines:

The Merchant Marine also has a range of service medals and pins, including the Mariner's Medal, Combat Bar, and Honorable Service Button. These awards recognize the service and sacrifices of Merchant Marines in times of war and national emergency.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Ups Tracker Code

Awards and Flags Committee Duties

The Merchant Marine Awards and Flags Committee is responsible for reviewing nominations and making recommendations to the Maritime Administrator. This includes recommendations for giving or loaning Merchant Marine flags to qualifying organizations.

The committee receives nominations through the Director, Office of Ship Operations, from individuals or entities that properly address the award evaluation criteria. This ensures that nominations are thoroughly considered before being presented to the Maritime Administrator.

The committee's recommendations also pertain to the award of any awards, medals, decorations, etc., authorized to be issued by the Maritime Administration. This is in accordance with Public Law 84-759 and 46 CFR part 350.

Awards—Decorations and Citations

A stunning aerial view of a cargo ship navigating through the open sea, showcasing marine transportation.
Credit: pexels.com, A stunning aerial view of a cargo ship navigating through the open sea, showcasing marine transportation.

The U.S. Merchant Marine has a rich tradition of awards and decorations that recognize their bravery and contributions to the country's defense. The Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal is the highest award given to a Merchant Mariner for outstanding acts, conduct, or valor beyond the line of duty.

The Merchant Marine has a number of awards and decorations that are similar to those given to members of the armed forces. For example, the Gallant Ship Unit Citation is awarded to a vessel and its crew for outstanding or gallant action in marine disasters or other emergencies.

The Merchant Marine Awards and Flags Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Maritime Administrator for the issuance of Merchant Marine medals, decorations, and citations. The committee also makes recommendations to donate or loan Merchant Marine flags to qualifying organizations.

Here is a list of some of the awards and decorations given to Merchant Mariners:

The Merchant Marine has played a critical role in the country's defense, particularly during times of war and national emergency. They have been termed the "fourth arm" of defense by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Other Recognition—Flag Donation or Loan

Credit: youtube.com, Merchant Marine Seal & Flag

The Merchant Marine flag is a symbol of recognition and memorialization for the past and continuing role of Merchant Mariners in the United States.

MARAD receives requests for Merchant Marine flags and logos from organizations that wish to honor the contributions of Merchant Mariners. These organizations may include educational institutions that perform maritime training.

Honoring the contributions of Merchant Mariners supports MARAD's mission by recognizing their role in national defense. This recognition also enhances public awareness of the Merchant Marine as a career path for U.S. citizens.

The Merchant Marine flag is not a gift or award for individuals, but rather a way to recognize the collective contributions of Merchant Mariners. Its purpose is to underscore the dignity and significance of the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole.

The Merchant Marine Awards and Flag Committee makes recommendations to the Maritime Administrator regarding flag donations or loans. The committee considers which groups satisfy the criteria for receiving a flag and under what terms and conditions.

Clara Donnelly

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Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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