[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 59 (Thursday, April 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE WORLD WAR II MERCHANT MARINER SERVICE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2014

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of 
this Congress matter of utmost importance--The World War II Merchant 
Mariner Service Act, which was included in the omnibus veteran's bill, 
FIR 2189. The bill passed the House on October 28th, 2013.
  The World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act directed the Secretary 
of Homeland Security to accept additional documentation when 
considering the application for Veterans status of an individual who 
performed service in the Merchant Marines during World War II.
  The Merchant Marine is a civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Navy, but not 
a uniformed service, except in times of war when, in accordance with 
the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, Mariners are considered military 
personnel. In an effort to support the American war effort during World 
War II, they became an auxiliary to the United States Navy. Their 
mission was to transport bulk war materials including food, clothing, 
and weapons, as well as troops to all areas of conflict as well as 
domestic coastal installations.
  During their missions in open waters, Merchant Marines often 
encountered the enemy and took hostile fire. Almost 250,000 Merchant 
Marines served during World War II and approximately 10,000 were killed 
while serving and protecting the United States.
  In 1977 President Jimmy Carter signed into law the GI Bill 
Improvement Act of 1977. This bill granted authorization to the 
Secretary of Defense to determine the service performed by an 
``organized group of citizens'' to be considered ``active service'' for 
purposes of Veterans benefits and established the Department of Defense 
Civilian/Military Service Review Board and Advisory panel. In 1988, 
President Reagan signed a bill into law granting veteran status to 
merchant mariners who served in war. Moreover, the Veterans Programs 
Enhancement Act of 1998 expanded Merchant Marine Veteran benefits to 
include burial in a National Cemetery.
  I am proud that the Borough of Manhattan Community College is working 
on a documentary titled ``The Sea of My Brother'' about my constituent 
Gabriel Frank, an 85-year-old veteran of the World War II and Korea, 
who served in the merchant marine for 23 years, and whom I had the 
honor and privilege to meet.
  The film follows the fight of Gabriel and others for the passage of a 
bill in Congress, H.R. 1936--Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 
2013, to provide a benefit to veterans who served in the US Merchant 
Marine during 1941-1946. From rallying his fellow veterans to meeting 
with politicians, Gabriel and his comrades passionately fight to win 
this dignity for their community.
  Today, elderly veterans continue their fight for this recognition. 
Their strong, positive and fighting spirit will not let them give up as 
they choose to advocate for their fellow veterans, leaving a legacy of 
inspiration for all.
  I am urging the Senate to act on their Omnibus Bill so this important 
legislation can be acted into law.

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