Schakowsky Honors World War II Merchant Marine Veterans

SCHAKOWSKY HONORS WORLD WAR II MERCHANT MARINE VETERANS

WASHINGTON, DC–U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) will appear before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs today to deliver testimony on behalf of a constituent in support of H.R. 23, The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. Congresswoman Schakowsky was asked to read Mr. Bruce Felknor's testimony because he is unable to physically deliver his remarks.

"I'm honored and humbled to be able to deliver Mr. Felknor's remarks in front of the Veteran's Affairs Committee on his behalf,... said U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky. "After years of waiting for this opportunity and recognition by Congress, it is truly regrettable that Mr. Felknor won't be able to give his own remarks today....

United States Merchant Mariners played a critical role 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 that were manufactured in the U.S. 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 valiant service, the U.S. 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.

"I'm so pleased that the Merchant Mariners are finally getting the respect and attention they deserve for their service and sacrifice to our country,... said U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky. "For more than forty years, their remarkable and distinguished service has gone by virtually unnoticed by our government and people. Today marks an occasion were we can finally salute their service and afford them some form of compensation for the military benefits they were denied....

Bruce Felknor was a radioman in the Merchant Marine during World War II. After the war, Felknor spent years in public affairs before joining Encyclopedia Britannica, where he was the longest serving executive editor until 1985. He is an author, editorial consultant, and lecturer. He is a historian of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and his 12 books include The U.S. Merchant Marine at War, 1775-1945 (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1998). He is history editor of the Merchant Marine website usmm.org.