Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has introduced legislation to honor the Merchant Mariners who served during World War Two, transporting soldiers and supplies through commercial, on-naval ships, yet were not awarded veteran status until 1988, nearly 40 years after the war ended.
An estimated 8,300 Merchant Mariners died or went missing during the war. As many as 12,000 were wounded, and more than 600 were prisons of war, Murkowski said.
“Their brave service, no doubt, aided America in her ability to prevail,” she said. “I’m proud that my legislation recognizes and honors the brave Merchant Mariners, the unsung heroes of WWII, who risked their lives to keep the Allied troops armed, fed, and fortified in the defense of America’s freedom.”
Co-sponsors of the Merchant Marines of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act include Senators Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska; Maria Cantwell, D-WA; Angus King, I-ME; and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-RI.
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. John Garamendi, D-CA: and cosponsored by Representatives Don Young, R-Alaska, and Susan Brooks, R-IN.
