Posted on 03/13/2020 12:50:17 PM PDT by ransomnote
On Friday, March 13, 2020, the President signed into law:
H.R. 5671, the “Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020,” which provides for the award of a Congressional gold medal collectively, to the United States Merchant Mariners of World War II, in recognition of their dedicated and vital service during World War II.
My Uncle apparently spent the war on gasoline tanker(s) back and forth across the Atlantic.
A bit risky, but he went on to live a long life.
My former boss spent WWII on a gasoline tanker operating between Hawaii and the Pacific Island theater. Also a bit risky but he too managed to get out unscathed and led a long and productive life.
Wish all those merchant marines who risked so much were still alive to see this. (including my father-in-law who passed in his 90’s)
About time this was done. Thank you President Trump!
“Mariners suffered the highest rate of casualties of any service in World War II”
http://www.usmm.org/casualty.html
My dad was a radio operator. After dropping off supplies for our troops, on June 5th, the day before D-Day, he left Wales and headed back to NY to pick up additional supplies. I wish I knew more. He passed away 25 years ago at age 78.
Do what exactly is this?
They want to sell me a bronze coin to honor my Dad?
It took almost 55 years just to get recognized and awarded veterans benefits.
He passed 2011, and some of his and his brides (my mother) ashes reside in Arlington National Cemetery.
His wishes were to be buried with his shipmates between Norway and the Faroe islands the route that took his convoy through during the war, and the place where his convoy was attacked by U-boat's.
We were fortunate to be allowed by the Captain of the Norwegian cruise ship to commit his ashes to the place of his wishes.
Props to your uncle. Merchant seamen of the era regarded tanker crews as especially courageous because of the flammable nature of their cargo.
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