Merchant Marine Mariner's Medal
| Merchant Marine Mariner's Medal | |
|---|---|
Second World War | |
| Status | No longer issued |
| Established | May 10, 1943 |
| Last awarded | June 30, 1956 |
| Total | 6,635 |
 Merchant Marine Mariner's Medal ribbon | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Merchant Marine Gallant Ship Citation Ribbon |
| Equivalent | Purple Heart |
| Next (lower) | Merchant Marine Combat Bar |
The Merchant Marine Mariner's Medal is a
Awarded only to members of the United States Merchant Marine, the Mariner's Medal recognizes seamen who were killed or wounded as a direct result of conflict against an opposing armed force; in specific, it was awarded to any seaman who while serving in a ship during a war period is wounded, suffers physical injury, or suffers through dangerous exposure as a result of an act of enemy of the United States. In the event any such seaman dies from the wounds or injuries before the award can be made to him, the medal may be presented to the person named in the War Risk Policy as his beneficiary.
Although the Merchant Marine Mariner's Medal is considered a federal service decoration, it may be worn on the uniforms of active duty service members.
Design
Designed by Paul Manship, subsequent awards of the medal are represented by 5/16th inch gold stars affixed to both the suspension ribbon and the ribbon bar.
The cases supplied with the medal were also used for the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal and the Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal.
On original Second World War issues of the Mariner's Medal, a small triangle separates "United" and "States"; re-issues have a small dot. Also on originals, the designer's initials "P.M." (Paul Manship) are below the wreath, to either side of the cuff; subsequent re-issues of the medal lack these devices.
See also
- Awards and decorations of the United States government
- Awards and decorations of the United States military
References
- ^ "U.S. Merchant Marine Medals and Decorations". MARAD. United States Department of Transportation. Retrieved 6 September 2016.