House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on Past-due “Thank You” to Members of the United States Merchant Marines

Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, led by Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA), will hold a hearing on H.R. 23, “The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act” on Wednesday, April 18, 2007.      

United States Merchant Mariners played a critical role in the U.S. victory during World War II, delivering troops, tanks, food, airplanes, fuel and other needed supplies to every theater of the war.  The Merchant Mariners were the necessary link between the supplies and equipment that were manufactured in the United States and used overseas.  The Merchant Mariners took part in every invasion from Normandy to Okinawa and suffered the highest casualty rate of any of the branches of the Armed Forces.  Despite their service, the United States Merchant Marines were not included in the 1944 G.I. Bill of Rights.  In 1988, they were finally granted veteran status, but some portions of the G.I. Bill have never been made available to the Merchant Marines and the lost benefits can never be recouped.       

“While it is impossible to make up for over forty years of unpaid benefits, H.R. 23 will acknowledge the service of the veterans of the Merchant Marine and offer compensation,” said Chairman Filner.  “A wrong has existed for too long and it must be corrected.”   

The witnesses delivering testimony before the Committee will include Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), who introduced the companion Merchant Mariner bill (S. 961) in the Senate, Former Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, and VA Under Secretary for Benefits Admiral Daniel L. Cooper.  Also testifying will be Ian Allison, Co-Chair of the Just Compensation Committee of the United States Merchant Marine Combat Veterans; Bruce Felknor, author of Merchant Marine History 1795-1950; representatives from Merchant Marine veterans associations; and a number of United States Merchant Marine combat veterans.    

Witness Brian Herbert, author of The Forgotten Heroes: The Heroic Story of the United States Merchant Marine and Hunters of Dune, will testify that “the typical Allied soldier in Europe needed seven to eight tons of military supplies a year to sustain his ability to fight, and 80% of that was provided by the U.S. Merchant Marine.  These brave men become the lifeline of Allied Forces.  It is important to keep in mind that this country was served at its time of greatest peril by men who performed their jobs efficiently and completed their military assignments.  They were individuals who were the very essence of what it means to be an American.” 

“It is time our nation recognizes all of our veterans for their contributions to the successful outcome of World War II,” said Chairman Filner.  “President Washington got it right when he said, ‘The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country.’  It is time to make good on the promises that we have made to our troops and to our veterans.  I am asking that the 110^th Congress will finally correct the injustice inflicted on the United States Merchant Mariners and grant them the compensation and respect that they have rightfully earned.”

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