THE AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINE
DURING THE KOREAN WAR
The Korean Service Medal recognizing service in the American merchant marine during the Korean War. It is awarded for service between June 30, 1950, and September 30, 1953, in waters adjacent to Korea. Design: The tori gate and taeguk are traditionally associated with Korea. The ship's chain alludes to maritime service.
Information on purchasing medals are available at
http://marad.dot.gov/history/medals.html."Heave Ho" -- The U.S. Merchant Marine Anthem
Bronze Seal of the U.S. Merchant Marine Flag commissioned by the Gulfstream Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans Association.
Excerpts from Annual Reports of the Federal Maritime Board, Maritime Administration, 1951-1955; also includes excerpts from the Study of the Operations of the Maritime Administration and the Federal Maritime Board by the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, February 1955.
National Maritime Day Proclamation
1950
1951
1952
1953
1998 National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Proclamation
The story of the SS MEREDITH VICTORY, a saga of one of the most spectacular rescue operations in American maritime history.
- Dramatic photographs The SS MEREDITH VICTORY
- 14,0000 refugees boarding the vessel
- Brother Mariness (Capt. Leonard LaRue)
- The Washington Post, August 21 and 25, 1960
- God's Skipper
- I Witnessed a Christmas Miracle
- Excerpt from Lookout, publication of the Seamen's Church Institute, November 1969
- The Gallant Ship Award
- Congressional Record, March 26, 1951
- Remarks by Frederick Mueller, Secretary of Commerce, August 24, 1960
- Remarks by Ralph Wilson, Chairman of the Federal Maritime Board and Maritime Administration, August 24, 1960
- U.S. Department of Commerce News Release , August 21, 1960
- Meritorious Service Medal Citation and Crew List
- The Propeller Club News
- MSTS Magazine, November 1960
- A Veteran Returns to War, U.S. Department of Commerce News Release, October 30, 1966
- MEREDITH VICTORY Gallant Ship Award Photo Gallery
The story of the SS LANE VICTORY during the Korean War, excerpted from The Last Victory, by the American Merchant Marine Veterans Association.
Voyage 11 of the SS ROBIN GRAY, a first hand account
As I saw it -- personal accounts of Korean War experiences from U.S. merchant mariners.
Oral histories (being transcribed)
- Admiral Thomas A. King, Jr., USMS, Ret.
- Admiral Thomas J. Patterson, USMS, Ret.
- Eyewitness Attests to Important Role of Merchant Fleet in Korea
- An account by Walter Turchick
- Documents submitted by Milton Nottingham
- Information from Raymond B. Maurstad
Vessels that served during the Korean War
Christmas 1951, a message from President Harry S. Truman to the U.S. Merchant Marine
Quotes on the important contributions of the American merchant marine
Suggested Bibliography