Legislation introduced in the House of Representatives by Democratic Congresswoman Janice Hahn (CA) and Republican Congressman John Duncan (TN) would provide long-overdue recognition for American merchant mariners who served our nation during World War II. Their legislation, the Honoring Our World War II Merchant Mariners Act of 2015 (HR 563), directs the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant marine during WW II.
When she introduced this legislation, Congresswoman Hahn reminded her colleagues that “During the war, U.S. Merchant Mariners were responsible for transporting troops and delivering supplies for the military. Hundreds of ships and thousands of men were lost to enemy submarines and aircraft, including dangerous missions ferrying supplies to Western Europe and even Russia. It was one of the most critical roles played during the early part of the war. Unfortunately, those who served this nation so valiantly during that time, were not eligible for the G.I. Bill that helped millions of veterans go to college, secure a home and transition seamlessly into civilian life. The fact that we did not provide similar benefits to those who risked their lives for this country is simply unfathomable.”
She further stated that the legislation she and Congressman Duncan were introducing would rectify this inequity by providing a “one-time benefit of $25,000 to the surviving 5,000 World War II Mariners. By providing this modest benefit, we will finally be giving our brave merchant mariners the recognition they rightfully deserve.”