Tag: usms

U.S. Maritime Service Awards

The United States Maritime Service (USMS) was formally established in 1938, under a provision of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. When the United States formally entered the Secord World War, the USMS became a critical element of the Nation’s war effort. A comprehensive training system was put in place, and USMS training schools were established across the nation. Thousands of seafarers and other experts served as instructors, who, in turn, helped train over 250,000 individuals, mostly men, to crew the ships of the U.S.-flag merchant marine.

This article examines the development and evolution of the United States Maritime Service (USMS) medals and awards program, detailing the historical context, design considerations, and qualification criteria for each decoration. It also analyzes the differences between the two major versions of the USMS Awards Manual, highlighting how the program has evolved to recognize distinguished service, professional achievement, and excellence among USMS personnel.

Origins of the United States Maritime Service

The USMS was established as a training organization, separate from the cadre of American merchant mariners themselves, and remains so today. While many USMS personnel were licensed or unlicensed mariners, their appointment to the USMS was made on the basis of their role as instructors, not mariners. When the USMS was established, there were no specific authorities related to the establishment of USMS-specific awards.

During the Secord World War, virtually all personnel involved in the training and instruction of mariners at the various USMS training schools received either an officer’s commission, or were enlisted (as petty officers and other non-commissioned ratings). Following the Secord World War, the USMS experienced a gradual decline, both in national visibility and in actual numbers. Most of the USMS training schools were closed after the Secord World War, but two remained in operation until 1954 (in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York, and Alameda, California).

The United States Maritime Service Today (2025)

Although the service was largely disbanded by the early 1950s, it remains in existence. The Maritime Administrator concurrently serves as the Commandant of the service, and holds the rank of Admiral. The vast majority of the remaining USMS personnel are faculty and staff serving at the Federal maritime academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York. A small handful of commissioned officers can also be found at the State Maritime Academies; typically their respective superintendents and commandants hold USMS commissions.

Unlike the other uniformed services of the U.S., there is no correlation between rank and pay. USMS personnel are members of the Civil Service, and are compensated based on civilian pay scales. The General Schedule (GS) framework is used for non-faculty compensation, while a special Administratively Determined (AD) pay scale applies to faculty. There are no service-specific benefits, no USMS-related retirement. They are not recognized as veterans, due to their USMS status.

Development of the USMS Medals and Awards Program

The USMS medals and awards program has a relatively recent history despite the service’s establishment in 1938. In the mid-1990s, Captain Eric York Wallischeck, USMS, along with two colleagues, began developing designs for medals and ribbons along with general award criteria and guidelines. Initially, the proposal wasn’t supported by Academy leadership. However, with a change in USMMA leadership in 1998, a new Superintendent (a former Marine), Vice Admiral Joseph D. Stewart, USMS approved moving forward with the initiative.

From the beginning, a primary goal was to obtain specific legislative authority to establish these awards to ensure they had clear legal standing rather than merely representing a local recognition. Working with staff within the Maritime Administration’s policy, legal, and human resources offices, draft legislation was crafted and shepherded through the Department of Transportation, the Office of Management and Budget, and eventually through Congress. Ultimately, the proposal was included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004, which became Public Law 108–136 on November 24, 2003.

The law that supports the USMS medals program is currently codified at 46 U.S.C. § 51701, specifically item (d):

§51701. United States Maritime Service (a) General Authority.-The Secretary of Transportation may establish and maintain a voluntary organization, to be known as the United States Maritime Service, for the training of citizens of the United States to serve on merchant vessels of the United States and to perform functions to assist the United States merchant marine, as determined necessary by the Secretary. (b) Specific Authority.-The Secretary may- (1) determine the number of individuals to be enrolled for training and reserve purposes in the Service; (2) fix the rates of pay and allowances of the individuals without regard to chapter 51 or subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5; (3) prescribe the course of study and the periods of training for the Service; and (4) prescribe the uniform of the Service and the rules on providing and wearing the uniform. (c) Ranks, Grades, and Ratings.-The ranks, grades, and ratings for personnel of the Service shall be the same as those prescribed for personnel of the Coast Guard. (d) Medals and Awards.-The Secretary may establish and maintain a medals and awards program to recognize distinguished service, superior achievement, professional performance, and other commendable achievement by personnel of the Service.

Once authority for the program was received, the development team worked closely with the Army Institute of Heraldry (AIOH) to design the ribbons and medals, using imagery, colors, and themes that had some connection to the sea, the merchant marine, and service history. Medal shapes were selected that were generally comparable to their military service counterparts.

On October 15, 2003, the program was formally launched. Awards continue to be made to this day.

USMS Personal Decorations

The USMS awards system follows a hierarchical structure similar to that of other uniformed services, with four levels of personal decorations, a unit award, and several service ribbons. Each decoration has specific eligibility requirements and design elements that reflect the maritime heritage of the service.

They are, in order of precedence:

1. USMS Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)

Authorization and Eligibility

The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is authorized under 5 U.S.C. 45 and US Department of Transportation Awards and Recognition System. The Maritime Administrator concurrently serves as the Commandant of the service, and holds the rank of Admiral. The USMMA Distinguished Service Medal is approved and awarded by the Maritime Administrator in the name of the President.

The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to an individual who distinguishes himself or herself by exceptional performance or service that was of singularly outstanding benefit to the United States Maritime Service, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, or the United States Merchant Marine. This award may be presented in recognition of a specific act or initiative, or may be awarded in recognition of a specific period of sustained outstanding performance. To justify this decoration, an exceptional performance of duty, clearly above that normally expected, which has contributed materially to the success of a major department, office, operation, or project, is required. In general, the Distinguished Service Medal will be awarded only to those officers in senior positions of responsibility, or whose service is of significant scope to justify the award. However, this shall not be interpreted to preclude the award of the Distinguished Service Medal to any individual whose service meets the requirements. If there is any doubt as to the degree of service involved, the Superior Performance Medal is the more appropriate award.

Design Elements

Medal:

  • Design: Obverse: A USMS Crest in gold set in the center of an open ring of blue enamel, 1-1/2 inches in diameter, and displaying the words “FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MCMXXXVI”. The medal is suspended from the ribbon by a gold bar in the shape of the starboard profile of a Liberty Ship; however, the miniature medal shall not have a suspension bar. Reverse: The words “UNITED STATES MARITIME SERVICE” engraved around upper part of ring, with a space to engrave the name of the recipient.
  • Symbolism: The American eagle and shield represents loyalty and service to our nation, while the fouled anchor represents the Maritime Service’s seagoing heritage. The laurel branches are a traditional symbol of accomplishment and success, while the enameled ring represents continuity and service. The Roman numerals MCMXXXVI represent the year that the United States Maritime Service was established (with the Merchant Marine Act of 1936). The Liberty Ship suspension bar recalls the Maritime Service’s heroic actions during World War II, where the Liberty ship played a pivotal role in the Allied victory.

Ribbon:

  • Design: The ribbon is 1-3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/4″ Old Glory Blue (67178), 1/32″ Scarlet (67111), 13/16″ White (67199), 1/32″ Scarlet (67111), 1/4″ Old Glory Blue (67178).
  • Symbolism: The central band of white symbolizes truth and service. It is flanked by stripes of scarlet representing courage, fortitude and patriotism, and blue, representing wisdom and loyalty.

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2. USMS Superior Performance Medal (SPM)

Authorization and Eligibility

The Superior Performance Medal (SPM) is authorized under 5 U.S.C. 45 and US Department of Transportation Awards and Recognition System. The USMMA Superior Performance Medal is approved and awarded by the Superintendent in the name of the Secretary of Transportation.

Awarded to an individual who distinguishes himself or herself by superior professional performance, achievement or service. To justify this decoration, the service rendered must have been comparable to that required for the USMS Distinguished Service Medal, but of a lesser degree. In general, the Superior Performance Medal will be awarded to officers in positions of lesser responsibility who have performed such exceptionally meritorious service as to justify the award of the Distinguished Service Medal except as to degree of merit. However, this should not be interpreted to preclude the award of the Superior Performance Medal to any individual, regardless of grade or rate, whose acts or services meet the requirements. When the degree of achievement or service rendered, although meritorious, is not sufficient to warrant the award of the Superior Performance Medal, the Commendation Medal should be considered.

Design Elements

Medal:

  • Design: Obverse: A bronze USMS Crest in relief, surrounded with the words “UNITED STATES MARITIME SERVICE”, upon a 1″ disk with beveled edges, surrounded by the points of two, eight-pointed stars with beveled edges, 1-1/2″ in diameter. Reverse: The points of the compass rose on the reverse are modeled with the central portion plain, bearing the words “FOR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE” engraved at top.
  • Symbolism: The American eagle and shield represents loyalty and service to our nation, while the fouled anchor represents the Maritime Service’s seagoing heritage. The laurel branches are a traditional symbol of accomplishment and success, and the underlying compass rose denotes leadership, direction, and guidance.

Ribbon:

  • Design: The ribbon is 1-3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/8 inch Purple (67115); 1/32 inch Steel Gray (67199); 3/16 inch Corsaire Blue (67177); 1/32 inch Steel Gray (67199); center 5/8 inch Purple (67115); 1/32 inch Steel Gray (67199); 3/16 inch Corsaire Blue (67177); 1/32 inch Steel Gray (67199); 1/8 inch Purple (67115).
  • Symbolism: The ribbon’s central theme of purple represents visionary leadership and justice. The thin steel gray stripes represent the merchant marine at war, while the choice of Corsaire Blue harkens back to the early role of American Merchant Mariners as privateers in the service of the United States.

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3. USMS Commendation Medal (COM)

Authorization and Eligibility

The Maritime Service Commendation Medal (COM) is authorized under 5 U.S.C. 45 and US Department of Transportation Awards and Recognition System. The USMMA Commendation Medal is awarded by the Superintendent in the name of Maritime Administrator.

Awarded to an individual who has distinguished himself or herself by commendable professional achievement(s) or service(s) worthy of special recognition such as to constitute a definite contribution to the United States Maritime Service, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, or the United States Merchant Marine. For Achievement that is outstanding and worthy of special recognition, such as an invention, or improvement in design, procedure or organization. For Service that is well above that usually expected of an individual commensurate with their grade or rate, sufficient to distinguish the individual above those performing similar services, and above that degree of excellence that can be appropriately reflected in the individual’s performance appraisal.

Design Elements

Medal:

  • Design: Obverse: On a 1-3/8 inch wide bronze hexagon, point up, the USMS Crest, but without the laurel leaves. Reverse: The words “UNITED STATES MARITIME SERVICE”.
  • Symbolism: The American eagle and shield represents loyalty and service to our nation, while the fouled anchor represents the Maritime Service’s seagoing heritage.

Ribbon:

  • Design: The ribbon is 1-3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 3/32 inch Old China Blue (67178), 3/32 inch White (67101); center 1 inch Old China Blue (67169); 3/32 inch White (67101); and 3/32 inch Old China Blue (67178).
  • Symbolism: The theme of blue and white represents wisdom and truth; the color Old China Blue recognizes the great American clipper ships engaged in the China trade, and is a shade suggests both sea and sky.

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4. USMS Professional Achievement Medal (PAM)

Authorization and Eligibility

The Maritime Service Professional Achievement Medal (PAM) is authorized under 5 U.S.C. 45 and US Department of Transportation Awards and Recognition System. The USMMA Professional Achievement Medal is awarded by the Superintendent in the name of Maritime Administrator.

Awarded to an officer for commendable service or achievement of a professional nature. This award shall be presented based upon sustained performance or specific achievement of such merit as to warrant further tangible recognition than is possible through the normal evaluation channels.

Design Elements

Medal:

  • Design: Obverse: The USMS shield centered upon a bronze medal 1-3/8″ in diameter, with a beveled edge 5/16″ wide upon which the four cardinal points of the compass have been picked out with triangles bearing the letters “N”, “S”, “E”, and “W” and bearing the words “UNITED STATES MARITIME SERVICE” in the interstices of the compass points. Reverse: The words “FOR PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT” at top, with a fouled anchor below.
  • Symbolism: The simple Federal shield represents loyalty and service to our nation, while the fouled anchor represents the Maritime Service’s seagoing heritage.

Ribbon:

  • Design: The ribbon is 1-3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/8 inch Imperial Blue (67175); 3/16 inch Orange (67110); center 3/4 inch Steel Gray (67199); 3/16 inch Orange (67110); and 1/8 inch Imperial Blue (67175).
  • Symbolism: The central band of gray represents the merchant ships of World War II convoys, where the Maritime Service earned its first professional achievements. It is flanked by orange (enthusiasm, vigor) and blue (wisdom, loyalty). Orange and blue are also colors associated with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

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USMS Unit Award

USMS Outstanding Unit Award (OUA)

The purpose of unit awards is to foster unit morale, incentive, and esprit de corps through prompt recognition of outstanding performance of group effort. Unit awards recognize entire organizations for outstanding heroism or achievement, especially those performed under arduous circumstances, or extraordinary situations that involve Academy interests. They are restricted to the recognition of acts or services that clearly and distinctly, by nature and magnitude, place the unit’s performance significantly above that of other units performing similar missions. They are not intended to recognize individual actions, but to acknowledge the combined efforts of the organization. The performance should be that which can be recognized adequately in no other way.

Authorization and Eligibility

The Maritime Service Outstanding Unit Award (OUA) is authorized under 5 U.S.C. 45 and US Department of Transportation Awards and Recognition System. Awarded by the Superintendent, to any unit, team, or other workgroup for commendable achievement. This award shall be presented for achievement based upon exceptional performance or specific achievement(s) of a superlative nature, and shall be of such merit as to warrant further tangible recognition than is possible through the normal evaluation channels.

Design Elements

Design: The ribbon is 1-3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 5/32 inch Ultramarine Blue (67118), 3/32 Old Glory Red (67156); center 7/8 inch Steel Gray (67199); 3/32 Old Glory Red (67156); and 5/32 inch Ultramarine Blue (67118); enclosed within a 1/16 inch wide gold frame embossed with a laurel-leaf pattern.

Symbolism: The central band of gray represents the merchant ships of World War II convoys, the ultimate test of teamwork and unit cooperation. It is flanked by stripes of Old Glory Red, representing loyalty to the American Flag, and Ultramarine Blue, representing the wisdom required of merchant mariners. The gold frame of laurel leaves represents loyalty and achievement.

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USMS Service Awards

In addition to the personal decorations and unit award, the USMS has established several service ribbons to recognize specific achievements and qualifications.

1. Sustained Performance Ribbon (SPR)

Authorization and Eligibility

The Sustained Performance Ribbon may be awarded to an individual who has maintained a superior level of performance for a period of five (5) consecutive years. During this period, an individual’s performance evaluations must have been “Exceeded Expectations” or “Outstanding” in every critical Job Element. Individuals must not have been suspended, or received any letter of reprimand or other citations for improper conduct, during the period of qualification. In the event of such improper conduct, the measured period of performance shall commence with the date of the offense.

In addition to service at USMMA, the term of service considered for this award may also include temporary assignment elsewhere within the federal government, recall to active duty in the armed forces, or service with the Military Sealift Command. Individuals who were granted a sabbatical or other form of professional leave during this period, not to exceed two years, would be permitted five years of superior performance during a maximum seven-year period.

Design Elements

Ribbon: The ribbon is 1-3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/16 inch Imperial Blue (67175); 1/16 inch Steel Gray (67199); 1/16 inch Imperial Blue (67175); 1/16 inch Steel Gray (67199); 1/16 inch Imperial Blue (67175); 1/16 inch Steel Gray (67199); center 5/8 inch Imperial Blue (67175); 1/16 inch Steel Gray (67199); 1/16 inch Imperial Blue (67175); 1/16 inch Steel Gray (67199); 1/16 inch Imperial Blue (67175); 1/16 inch Steel Gray (67199) and 1/16 inch Imperial Blue (67175).

Symbolism: The theme of blue and gray represents wisdom and truth, both elemental requirements of long and honorable service.

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2. Academic Achievement Ribbon

Authorization and Eligibility

Awarded to an individual who has been awarded an advanced degree (Master’s Degree or higher) by an accredited academic institution.

A 3/16″ bronze star may be added for each additional master’s degree. A 3/16″ silver star shall be affixed to the ribbon to indicate a terminal degree. No more than a total of four stars (either bronze or silver) may be affixed to the ribbon.

Design Elements

Ribbon: The ribbon is 1-3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/16 inch Purple (67115); 1/16 inch Old Gold (67105); 1/16 inch Black (67138); 1/16 inch Old Gold (67105); center 7/8 inch Purple (67115); 1/16 inch Old Gold (67105); 1/16 inch Black (67138); 1/16 inch Old Gold (67105); and 1/16 inch Purple (67115).

Symbolism: The ground of purple represents the wisdom associated with the academic community. The flanking stripes of gold and black represent constancy and prudence.

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3. Deck Officer’s Ribbon

Authorization and Eligibility

Awarded to an individual who has been awarded and maintains a USCG Deck Officer’s license, including those “Renewed for Continuity.” Qualification for the Deck Officer’s Ribbon signifies acquisition of specific professional skills, knowledge and military experience that result in qualifications above those required of other Maritime Service personnel serving. This qualification must be obtained through a formal qualification program and successful completion of the written exam and other requirements imposed upon an individual by the U.S. Coast Guard.

3/16″ bronze stars shall be affixed to the ribbon to indicate the particular level of license held: Third Mate, ribbon only; Second Mate, one star; Chief Mate, two stars; Master, three stars.

Design Elements

Ribbon: The ribbon is 1-3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/16 inch Black (67138); 1/16 Steel Gray (67199); 13/32 inch Old Gold (67105); 1/16 inch Black (67138); 1/16 inch Steel Gray (67199); center 1/16 inch Imperial Blue (67175); 1/16 inch Steel Gray (67199); 1/16 inch Black (67138); 13/32 inch Old Gold (67105); 1/16 inch Steel Gray (67199); and 1/16 inch Black (67138).

Symbolism: The colors of gold and black are traditionally associated with the uniforms of deck officers, while the central stripes of blue and gray represent wisdom and truth.

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4. Engine Officer’s Ribbon

Authorization and Eligibility

Awarded to an individual who has been awarded and maintains a USCG Engine Officer’s license, including those “Renewed for Continuity.” Qualification for the Engine Officer’s Ribbon signifies acquisition of specific professional skills, knowledge and military experience that result in qualifications above those required of other Maritime Service personnel serving. This qualification must be obtained through a formal qualification program and successful completion of the written exam and other requirements imposed upon an individual by the U.S. Coast Guard.

3/16″ bronze stars shall be affixed to the ribbon to indicate the particular level of license held: Third Assistant, ribbon only; Second Assistant, one star; First Assistant, two stars; Chief Engineer, three stars.

Design Elements

Ribbon: The ribbon is 1-3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/16 inch Black (67138); 1/16 Steel Gray (67199); 13/32 inch Old Glory Red (67156); 1/16 inch Black (67138); 1/16 inch Steel Gray (67199); center 1/16 inch Imperial Blue (67175); 1/16 inch Steel Gray (67199); 1/16 inch Black (67138); 13/32 inch Old Glory Red (67156); 1/16 inch Steel Gray (67199); and 1/16 inch Black (67138).

Symbolism: The colors of red and black are traditionally associated with the uniforms of engine officers, while the central stripes of blue and gray represent wisdom and truth.

The USMS Medals and Awards Manual

Two major versions of the USMS Medals and Awards Manual have been developed since the program’s inception.

The Original Manual (July 2003)

The first USMS Medals and Awards Manual was revised on July 10, 2003, establishing the official guidelines for the award program before its official launch later that year. This manual laid the groundwork for the program, establishing the precedence of awards, criteria for eligibility, and administrative procedures.

The Third Edition (March 2021)

The third edition of the USMS Medals and Awards Manual, dated March 2021, updated the guidelines for uniformed Staff and Faculty and their Supervisors at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. This revised manual refined many aspects of the program based on nearly two decades of implementation experience.

The USMS Medals and Awards program has evolved since its inception, as reflected in the differences between the original 2003 manual and the updated 2021 edition. Key differences include:

Organizational Structure

Both manuals maintain a similar overall structure, with chapters dedicated to general information, personal decorations, unit awards, and service awards. However, the 2021 edition (3rd Edition) includes additional chapters on award precedence and identification badges/insignia, reflecting an expansion of the program.

Authority and Approval

The 2003 Manual placed approval authority for the Distinguished Service Medal with the Secretary of Transportation, while the 2021 Manual delegates this authority to the Maritime Administrator. Both manuals maintain the Superintendent of USMMA as the approval authority for lower-tier awards.

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements for awards have been refined in the 2021 edition:

  1. Distinguished Service Medal: Both manuals maintain similar criteria, emphasizing “exceptional performance or service that was of singularly outstanding benefit.”
  2. Professional Achievement Medal: The 2003 manual specified this award as being for “an officer of the grade of lieutenant commander and junior thereto,” while the 2021 manual removes this rank restriction, opening eligibility to all officers.
  3. Sustained Performance Ribbon: The 2003 manual required performance evaluations to be “above average, exceeding the ‘Proficient,’ ‘Satisfactory’ or ‘Fully Successful’ levels,” while the 2021 manual uses contemporary evaluation terminology, requiring “Exceeded Expectations” or “Outstanding” in every critical Job Element.

Additional Awards and Recognition

The 2021 manual includes sections on breast insignia and command insignia, providing guidelines for the Command-At-Sea Badge for both Deck and Engine Officers, as well as the Sea Service Badge. These additions reflect an expansion of the recognition program beyond medals and ribbons.

Conclusion

The United States Maritime Service Medals and Awards Program represents a significant effort to recognize the contributions and achievements of USMS personnel. Developed relatively recently compared to the long history of the service itself, the program combines maritime traditions with contemporary award practices.

The program’s design elements—from the Liberty Ship on the Distinguished Service Medal to the compass points on the Professional Achievement Medal—reflect the maritime heritage of the USMS. The color choices, especially the use of blues, grays, and golds, symbolize service at sea, while the award criteria establish clear standards for recognition of exceptional performance.

The evolution of the program from 2003 to 2021 demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a relevant and meaningful recognition system that adapts to changing evaluation standards and organizational needs. By establishing this comprehensive awards program, the USMS has created a valuable means of fostering pride, esprit de corps, and excellence among its personnel, ensuring the continuation of its distinguished traditions of service to the maritime community and the nation.

mm dsm recipient photographs

Roll of Honor | Recipient Photos | OWI Recipient Citations | MM DSM | Leonard Conley | MM DSM Design | MM DSM Price Guide

The American Merchant Marine Museum has in its collections press photographs of wartime recipients of the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal. Some photos show stalwart widows, and others a smiling Admiral E. S. Land.

These photographs are rough – I had originally taken them to create a list of recipients. Then I discovered after a quick count that the 100 photographs represented only 79 of all those awarded the medal. Since these are not online or available anywhere, here you go.

Col.: AMMM

mm dsm roll of honor

Roll of Honor | Recipient Photos | OWI Recipient Citations | MM DSM | Leonard Conley | MM DSM Design | MM DSM Price Guide

In 1942 Franklin Franklin D. Roosevelt honored Edwin Fox Cheney, Jr. for his selfless act of bravery with the award of the first Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal in the Oval Office at the White House. The ceremony was a pronounced display of the President’s high regard for the American Merchant Marine, and his decorating Mr. Cheney emphasized the importance of all merchant seaman for America’s war effort – be they masters or ordinary seamen. President Roosevelt gave a prescient speech in his weekly radiogram several days later on Columbus Day:

[We] have had to enlist many thousands of men for our merchant marine. These men are serving magnificently. They are risking their lives every hour so that guns and tanks and planes and ammunition and food may be carried to the heroic defenders of Stalingrad and to all the United Nations’ forces all over the world.

A few days ago I awarded the first Maritime Distinguished Service Medal to a young man- Edward F. Cheney of Yeadon, Pennsylvania—who had shown great gallantry in rescuing his comrades from the oily waters of the sea after their ship had been torpedoed. There will be many more such acts of bravery. (Fireside Chat. October 12, 1942)

From that first decoration to the close of hostilities, an estimated 154 Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medals were awarded to members of the American Merchant Marine. After this medal came a small constellation of others, and in their wake, Congress debated the wisdom of giving civilians medals in wartime. The argument was whether or not a Federal medal would prompt merchant seamen to seek veteran’s status in the years after the war. No matter what they were, these medals were small tokens of the great esteem many had for those that kept the lifelines between the United States and the rest of the world intact. These lifelines cost the lives of close to 8,700 seamen.

Since the American Merchant Marine was not the military with field commanders directing troops, but rather a collection of ships manned by civilians plying trade routes either in convoys or alone, the award of medals was done by committee. A managing operator or shipmate would send a narrative of an individual’s heroism to the War Shipping Administration Merchant Marine Medal Awards Committee, and the group would decide the case’s merits.  And, just because an individual had the backing of a powerful steamship company would not guarantee a medal – the most recent being a surgeon whose story captured the imagination of the American public and who was awarded a medal through activism on the part of the American Merchant Marine Veterans Association – his medal was awarded in 2019.

Below please find a map I generated from data I scrapped from various sources to determine where the actions that merited an individual’s award of a Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal (MM DSM) took place.  Zoom in and click the drop pin to see the individual details, including managing operator, ship, and whether or not the individual’s photograph is in the American Merchant Marine Museum MM DSM collection of photographs. If an individual is listed twice, this is due to the citation having the individual being awarded a single medal for two actions.

To create the roll of honor, I gathered together data from several sources. My names and dates combine data from a spreadsheet from the American Merchant Marine Museum, citation texts from USMM.org, and Captain Arthur A. Moore’s A Careless Word: A Needless Sinking. I was able to pinpoint the coordinates using uboat.net, hints from USMM.org, Capt. Moore’s book, and wrecksite.eu – some are missing, however. Managing operators were fun to find; these were had by looking through MARAD’s ship database.

None of this would have been possible without the assistance of Dr. Joshua Smith, Interim Director of the American Merchant Marine Museum.


Shipping Routes, pre-“Victory in Europe,” 1945.

The map and data illustrate the global nature of the Second World War and how merchant seamen fought, died, and were heroes on every front: from the icy Arctic, off the mouth of the Mississippi, and to islands whose names most of us cannot pronounce. Seeing the number of names below and their photographs – that’s truly moving.

Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal Roll of Honor, Second World War

In a brief analysis of the data, statistically, there are far more Liberty ships than tankers as sites of gallantry overall; however, at war’s beginning, tanker crews were most cited – these men rose to the occasion within sight of the U.S. coastline. Their trials were at the height of the “Happy Time” when U-Boats patrolled U.S. waters with impunity, and sometimes – the rumor goes – even sent launches ashore to see a show.  After September 1942, as the U.S. became further involved overseas, Liberties and troopships became more numerous as places of bravery – tankers were finally behind a protective screen.

To see the entire spreadsheet, it is available here.

Most of the MM DSM citations may be found here. All extant U.S. Maritime Commission citations and Office of War Information Releases are here.

Note: My table may be prone to and has mistakes since my data is based on the research of others – even MARAD’s operator information is spotty – please contact me with attributable and documented corrections.

mm dsm citations

Roll of Honor | Recipient Photos | OWI Recipient Citations | MM DSM | Leonard Conley | MM DSM Design | MM DSM Price Guide

C I T A T I O N S  from the files of the U.S. Maritime Commission at the American Merchant Marine Museum

P R E S S  R E L E A S E S  &  C I T A T I O N S  from the Office of War Information

NameFile [name]-page
Cheney, Edwin Fox, Jr.owi-615-01
Fudske, Hawkinsowi-935-01
McTaggart, Thomas J.owi-935-01
Lauman, Arthurowi-935-01
Richardson, Charles D.owi-935-01
Reed, Walter E.owi-977-01
Friberg, Augustowi-1068-01
Murphy, Maximoowi-1266-01
Thornthwaite, Georgeowi-1333-01
O’Hara, Edwin Josephowi-1443-01
Thomas, William Morris, Jr.owi-1443-01
LaPoint, John J.owi-1461-02
Eklund, Ragnar Frederickowi-1461-03
Alm, Gustav Frankeowi-1461-04
Cameron, James C.owi-1461-05
Lee, Walter Josephowi-1557-03
Larsen, Frederick August, Jr.owi-1874-01
Allen, George B.owi-1874-03
Maynard, Kenneth W.owi-1874-04
Browne, Paul Hoffmanowi-1874-05
Dales, Francis Alonzo “Lonnie”owi-1874-08
Crawford, Thomasowi-1874-10
Breen, Mauriceowi-1874-11
Williams, Owen Johnowi-1874-12
Mills, Frederick Jamesowi-1965-01
Valentine, Leonard Walterowi-3638-01
Baird, Dale Porterowi-3841-01
Jones, Paul Davidowi-3841-01
Spaulding, Albert P.owi-3841-01
Lia, Bjarne A.owi-3939-01
Galza, Albertoowi-4067-01
Squires, James Gilbertowi-4536-01
Olson, Patrick Carlowi-4536-02
Harrell, James F.owi-4536-02
Carpenter, Foster DeWightowi-4536-03
Quinn, Howardowi-4536-03
Valentine, Paul Irwinowi-4536-03
Baker, George E.owi-4536-04
Nordh, Sten A.owi-4536-04
Williams, Frederick O.owi-4536-05
Lemons, Loyowi-4667-01
Rack, Francis E.owi-4667-01
Hart, Robert W.owi-4667-02
Robbins, Charles S.owi-4812-01
Tryg, Johnowi-4812-02
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NOMMP not USSB

Sadly, it seems whenever a collector of maritime uniform insignia comes across a Federal-style shield with three white stars, automatically the assumption is the insignia comes from the United States Shiping Board (USSB). Not so.

in Tonelli, identified as WSA

These cap badges are the official insignia of the National Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots (NOMMP). This group was (and still is) a bargaining unit for Deck Officers aboard United States-flag vessels.

USSB Emergency Fleet Corporation Lapel Badge, ca 1930.
USSB Quartermaster, 1919
USSB Quartermaster, 1919 detail

The assumption is quite easy to make since NOMMP’s cap badge looks very similar to the insignia worn by USSB employees. However, some also forget that USSB was abolished by Executive Order 6166 of 10 June 1933, and all its functions, including those with respect to United States Shipping Board Merchant Fleet Corporation, was transferred to United States Shipping Board Bureau, Department of Commerce, effective 2 March 1934 (at this point USSB no longer issued independent annual reports); USSB separation of employees was deferred until 30 September 1933 by Executive Order 6245 of 9 August 1933. The Bureau’s functions were assumed by the United States Maritime Commission (USMC) on 26 October 1936, pursuant to Act of 29 June 1936 (49 Stat. 1985). A chart detailing the Emergency Fleet Corporation’s lines (which USSB managed) from 1919 through the dissolution of federally-managed lines in 1940 (as under USMC); the chart is here.

from The Master, Mate and Pilot. Volume 8, Number 4, April 1945, p. 15.

Although not stated in the description, the design elements are fairly straightforward. The wreath is the same as used on the United States Maritime Service cap insignia; the cable loop is interesting since it is a vestige of a fouled anchor element on the Gemsco-designed USMS cap insignia. The shield itself is a novel design; the three white stars are representative of the three groups of officers represented by the union: Masters, Mates, and Pilots. Note that the central star is shifted slightly upward from the other two – this is the tell-tale indicator of NOMMP stamped-metal cap badges. The badge’s colors are patriotic, and the design is quasi-naval. Surmounting the shield and wreath is an eagle – at the time it was in fashion for licensed officers to have eagles on their cap badges as a symbol of their shipboard authority.

S. Appel & Company on 14-18 Fulton St. in New York was the official distributor and manufacturer of the insignia. They provided both embroidered, and stamped-metal and enamel versions of the same.

Captain Holger Emile Sorensen, Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal recipient, October 1943. Note: regulations codified in 1944 and published in 1945.

The raison d’être for the creation of distinctive insignia is due to the fact that during the mid-1940s, NOMMP wished to distinguish itself from the newly-minted and not-always unionized mariners in the United States Merchant fleet. Since shipboard uniforms were not codified by law, NOMMP tinkered with the dress of the day. Unlike the confusing array of regulations for United States Maritime Service (USMS) officers with appointed rank based upon ship tonnage, NOMMP used lace stripes to designate position aboard a vessel. Buttons were adorned with plain anchors – which in practice was not the between war anchor button – rather the anchor and two stars design used at the time by the United States Merchant Marine Academy Cadet Corps.

1944 regulations in full:

Ersatz NOMMP cap
In Tonelli, identified as WSA

Sometimes NOMMP members made do with cap badges they had on hand and painted them. The above is an example of a late-war Gemsco naval officer cap badge painted to indicate the wearer as a NOMMP member. This same cap insignia was often defaced to create cap badges for the re-organized Army Transport Service under the Army Transportation Corps – Water Division. In some literature (Tonelli and Booker), it is called a WSA (War Shipping Administration) cap badge; this may be an incorrect attribution – a discussion of known WSA badges may be found here (ship pilot) and here (Field Service) – but given the spotty nature of period documentation, the jury is still out.

References

Joseph J. Tonelli. Visor hats of the United States Armed Forces: 1930-1950. Atglen, Pennsylvania:  Schiffer Publications, 2003. N.B.: For his identified images of WSA badges.

Collection items

https://dittybag.ianewatts.org/collection/items/browse?tags=NOMMP

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U.S. Maritime Service Chief Petty Officer

 

U.S. Maritime Commission Cadre /
U.S. Maritime Service Chief Petty Office cap badge (Type 1)
One piece construction.  Seal, 25mm diameter; Anchor, 50mm length.
Obscured AE CO N.Y. hallmark (American Emblem Company)
Anchor and device stamped brass; blue enamel band and red, white & blue shield.
Early Second World War era; 1942.

This is the first design of the USMS CPO hat badge; it was worn in 1942 up until the formal transfer of the Prospective Licensed Officer training program from the USCG to the WSA/USMS in July 1942.  The badge itself may be found in plain brass, as well as plated silver or nickel.  This brass pattern was issued in 1942, followed by plated silver or nickel badges and then a new design came about in August 1942.  A description of the second design may be found here.  In practice, in the period leading up to the Second World War, USMS CPOs, more often than not wore the more handsome embroidered hat badges – which were of the same design as the stamped metal device, albeit without the band of stars – as evidenced by an image in the article “Heros of Wartime Science and Mercy” in National Geographic Magazine, December 1943 page 717, as seen here.  These badge were worn mostly by officer trainees – who held the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Concurrent with WSA control of the USMS, and the stripping away of the ship-building component of the USMS,  came a color and design shift:  for the hat badge: the illustrated deco motif of a stylized Federal “classic shield” gave way to a detailed foul anchor charge on “official shield” of finer detail.  Whereas the first design was predominantly blue, the color changed to red – perhaps to echo the red of chevrons and other woven cloth devices found on an enlistedman’s uniform.  My research has alluded to that late in the war, the CPO badge further changed to match the pattern found on USMS buttons (1942-1954); I will post an image of this badge at a later date.

J. Tonelli in Visor Hats of the US Armed Forces incorrectly asserts that the illustrated hat badge was worn by USMS Warrant Officers; however, regulations of the time state that Warrant Officers wear the same devices as regular, commissioned officers.  This is a commonly made mistake when attempting to devise a typology of hat devices for a relatively small organization with a small array of hat insignia.

Overall, the USMS only had a handful of CPOs and these were attached to USMS enrollment offices, training stations, officer schools and the US Merchant Marine Academy; CPO insignia was not issued to regular seamen who were matriculated from or were certified by the USMS. CPOs represented unlicensed seaman hired by the USMS skilled in the maritime industry with some seniority or specialized skills not satisfying the grade of Warrant Officer; it is useful to think of USMS CPOs as experienced Able Seamen (AB).

USMS CPO Hat badge, obverse.
This device was worn by Merchant Mariners attached to the US Maritime Commission involved in training duties; this badge eventually found its way to be only worn by senior unlicensed personnel (CPOs).  This hat badge continued to be issued until stocks were depleted and eventually replaced by a badge of the same design – albeit in nickel (pre- and early war), and then replaced by the more familiar USMS CPO device.  There is some speculation that the USMC/USMS CPO device was modeled after the US Coast Guard enlisted hat badge; the USCG badge went into production in 1942, around the same time as the production of the USMC/USMS badge.

The mystery of the design lies in the double-anchor and seal motif.  If analyzed closely, the badge hearkens to the precursor agency of both the US Maritime Commission and US Coast Guard:  the US Revenue Cutter Service.  In this light, the anchor stock and flukes, and as well as the rope on the stock themselves echo the old seal.  At the time of its creation, it was not stated in USMC regulations, but the uniforms and ranks of the soon-to-be-formed USMS were eventually codified to mirror that of the US Coast Guard.  In time, in an effort to create an esprit de corps and the forging of an independent identity, the badge change to the second design.

USMS CPO Hat badge, reverse.

USMS CPO Hat badge, reverse (detail).
Note the curious “CO N.Y.” hallmark – the complete “AE CO N.Y.” mark is obscured by the post – this is of the American Emblem Company of Utica, New York. This firm produced a number of Merchant Marine and Maritime Service items during the Second World War, most notably the ubiquitous Merchant Mariner pin.  In regard to this specific badge, NS Meyer produced a very similar insignia set for USMS officers using a similar central device. With the button and device change in 1942, AE Co. was no longer contracted to make USMS CPO badges; rather, the jobbing went to Coro.

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A mysterious old photograph

Last week a photograph originally in Mr. Bob Lind’s “Neighbors” column in the Fargo, North Dakota newspaper, The Forum, appeared in an online group about the Merchant Marine of the Second World War. The question in both places was, does anyone recognize the group? No one offered anything definitive.

Neighbors ran this photo last year. Kimberly Paulson-Schulman, formerly of Fargo and now of Burbank, Calif., found it in a resale shop in Burbank, saw it was framed in Fargo and sent it to Neighbors, hoping someone could identify the people in it and tell of the occasion on which it was taken.

There was some speculation about the time period based on the uniform of the U.S. Army officer in the second row from the front (sixth from the left).

The ship is definitely a merchant/cargo ship (see the king posts and cargo booms in the background), […]

The time frame is probably late WWII or immediately post-war, or perhaps the Korean War, by the looks of the Army officer’s uniform.

Perhaps.

For the student of Merchant Marine insignia, what is striking about the photograph is how it captures a period of flux in terms of United States Maritime Service (USMS) uniform insignia. Unlike the seemingly timeless look of the wartime U.S. Navy gob, the USMS tinkered with its uniforms and insignia to promote uniformity and to cultivate a distinctive visual culture of identification and rank. Fortunately, the pastiche of insignia aids in dating photographs such as this one.

Within the photograph above, a majority of the individuals are merchant seamen with the exception of the Royal Navy Chief Petty Officers flanking the last row, and the U.S. naval officer to the left of the second row and U.S. Army officer on the far right of the same. Each of them gives an example of the array of uniforms and insignia at the time.

Third Row

 

The Royal Navy Chief Petty Officers flanking both sides of the row wear the standard Royal Navy doeskin coat – a medium weight wool fabric which is usually softer and less densely napped than the melton worn by U.S. Navy. Since there does not appear to be any insignia on their lapels, they could possibly be wearing a Class I, Number I dress uniform. The cap badges are distinctly not those of a Royal Navy Officer. For the duration of the Second World War, the design and cut of the RN CPO uniform remained unchanged.

A keen difference between U.S. Navy and Royal Navy caps are both the names used for the caps and the chin straps on them. The U.S. Navy calls them combination caps and the Royal Navy, peaked caps. British chin straps are all democratically black leather, whereas the U.S. Navy uses gold braid in varying widths for officers, warrant officers, and midshipmen. U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officers use black patent leather chin straps. In the United States, the gold braid is reminiscent of the officer cap band of gold bullion worn in the decade between 1852 and 1862; up until 1869 officers wore a leather chin strap when regulations replaced it with a gold cap cord. The cord attained its current flat strap in after the Spanish-American War in 1904.

 

The two American merchant seamen second and third from the right, are both wearing the cap badge used by the USMS training cadre and Merchant Marine licensed officers who joined the USMS of their own volition. Licensed officers usually joined after the completion of upgrade courses at one of the few USMS officer schools or upon petition. The USMS did not advertise itself in trade publications, rather was learned of by “word of mouth.” The former seaman appears to be a licensed officer onboard a cargo vessel by virtue of the fact his cap is without a crown stiffener; mates and ABs often wore their caps without stiffeners as a practical measure on “working boats” – they needed to poke their heads into cramped spaces.  The cap badge design was worn from Summer 1942 and as late as March 1943; by September 1943, these cap badges were abolished by U.S. War Shipping Administration. In their place came the familiar stamped-metal USMS officer cap badge. The seaman on the left has the USMS rank of ensign; however, he may also be wearing company-provided shoulder boards indicating him as a junior mate (probably a third mate).

The Army Transport Service (ATS) officer – fourth from left – is wearing an older embroidered ATS cap badge in use early in Second World War and up until August 1945. For most of the war, the U.S. Army’s fleet was divided into three divisions: ATS, Harbor Boat Service (HBS), and Inter-Island Service; each with minute gradations of insignia. This individual is an Engineer, Mate, or a Pilot in HBS as is evident by his black patent-leather chinstrap.

The merchant seamen fifth and sixth from the left are wearing the aforementioned USMS cap badge. The former is distinctly wearing the shoulder boards of a second mate in industry. The latter is wearing the shoulder boards of a USMS Lieutenant (Junior Grade); his boards appear to have the rope-ringed shield device of the USMS.

Second row

The merchant seaman in the first position in the second row is wearing a USMS cap badge.  His khaki coat lacks shoulder boards. If it is lacking the loops for shoulder boards, it would be of the same cut as a Chief Petty officer or a U.S. Army officer; however, he is not wearing insignia of any kind. Often, junior stewards also wore the same cut of coat.

The U.S. Navy ensign – second from left – is wearing the post-May 1941 stamped-metal U.S. naval officer cap badge. As a design note, prior to 1941, officer cap badges were primarily embroidered. On his collar are ensign bars; U.S. naval officers were authorized to wear pin-on rank devices on khaki starting in May 1941. His shoulder boards indicate the same.

 

The merchant seaman third from the left and the individual forth from the left both wearing Maritime Service insignia at a crossroads. On the left, the seaman is wearing the cap badge of either a USMS training cadre or an individual who enrolled as an officer in the USMS; his shoulder boards are of an older style current from 1939 through 1943. His shoulder boards indicate he is a commander in the USMS; note USMS rank and shipboard position were sometimes not synchronous – for instance: a master of a ship might wear four stripes as part of maritime tradition, but tonnage of the ship would determine his appointed USMS rank – below a cut-off, and they may be appointed as a commander. Interestingly enough, his cap’s visor is without embellishment – something he rates as a commander.

The individual to the right is wearing the cap badge of a District Instructor as established in January 1942. In March 1943, it became the cap device of all USMS officers. If his shoulder boards were fully visible, having a USMS shield encircled by a cable, an anchor in a wreath, or U.S. Maritime Commission shield would determine his organization. His shoulder boards indicate he is a captain or master. Of interest is the central device of his cap badge; it is a U.S. Maritime Commission shield, it originally indicated the wearer is responsible for individuals enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Commission Cadet Corps or is a Cadet Officer within the same. On his visor are “scrambled eggs” or “chicken guts” (as the saying goes) – a decorative device reserved those who hold the rank of commander and above (e.g. commander, captain, commodore or admiral).  He’s probably the “old man.”

The seaman fifth from the left is wearing a USMS cap badge current 1942 through March 1943. His shoulder boards indicate his rank as a captain – USMS or otherwise. Of interest is his cap’s visor – it is unadorned. He may be a Chief Engineer or a surgeon; both could wear captain boards, but not being in a command role, often did not wear “scrambled eggs.” This was a tradition often followed aboard merchant ships of the period; in 1944, USMS regulations explicitly illustrated and captioned commander and above as those who could wear “scrambled eggs.”

Around this time, there was a culture shift in the industry. On the eve of the Second World War (and I would argue the sentiment may be the roots of Zombo culture at Kings point), within the maritime community, there were those who took the rank and role of their station seriously; they would wear the lace, the buttons, and the uniform to keep the appearance of authority. Whereas there were others who saw the trappings of the military and pomp as a hindrance to doing work. In the latter group would be the radicalized seamen who survived the bloody union clashes of the 1930s or simply those who saw value in work itself.  If this were the case, he might be the “old man” and the previous fellow a surgeon who’s just thrilled to be in uniform.

Last in the row is a U.S. Army infantry captain replete with a marksman badge and several ribbons.  A comment in the article which accompanies the photograph states most succinctly:

My dad (may he rest in peace) was a WWII and Korean War Army officer and he wore that uniform back then — green brown (called olive drab) jacket and light khaki trousers that he derisively referred to as ‘pinks.’

First Row

The USMS officer first from the left is wearing the same USMS cap badge as his peers. Of interest is his wearing shoulder boards of the USMS circa March 1943. He may be a newly-minted deck officer straight from a USMS Officer school. His rank is ensign.

The USMS officer third from the right is wearing USMS “Administrative officer” purser shoulder boards; these staff corps shoulder boards first appeared in March 1943, with the design later abolished in 1944.

The Cadet-midshipmen – second and fourth from left – are both wearing cap badges that came out in 1939 and abolished in July 1944; but their shoulder boards are circa January 1942 and are those of a fourth-class cadet-midshipman. The individual on the left is a cadet in the Deck program, and the individual on the right is on the Engine program. Among the merchant seamen, the design of their shoulder boards – down to the securing bodkin – has remained relatively unchanged in design up through the Vietnam War era.

The context of the photograph revolves around the presence of the cadet-midshipmen. I suspect this photograph was probably taken aboard a troop ship prior to them shipping out. The clue to this is cadet-midshipmen invariably shipped-out in pairs: one in the Deck program and the other in the Engine program. If they were visiting a ship, they would probably be section-mates of the same program. The junior U.S. Navy officer may be leading a U.S. Navy Armed Guard unit and the U.S. Army officer may be a passenger aboard the ship. The Royal Navy Chief Petty officers are incongruous and might be passengers. Aboard Army Transport Service ships; uniform standards were fairly lax through the war – until they were not (probably in response to crews in the photograph, the Seattle Port of Embarkation published a suggestion for mariners to follow).

The season is invariably early Spring. Everyone is wearing working khaki coats, and some are wearing white socks – white cotton socks. If it were cold, the socks would be black, and the officers in the back would wear something a bit heavier than an overcoat. If the cadets were doing a regular training regimen, this photograph would have been taken just after the end of their preliminary training – if we go on the shoulder board design hints.

I would wager the photograph was taken in March or April 1943 given the overlap in the insignia worn by all the merchant seamen and evidence of the transitional insignia that lasted at most a year.

Curiously enough, the same photo recently reappeared with its back displayed. It looks like my hunches were correct. The photograph was taken in April 1943. My analysis was spot-on, except for the 1st Asst.; I thought him a steward – this was by virtue of his lack of insignia!

usms publications

The United States Maritime Service was concerned with the training of merchant seamen, just prior, during, and after the Second World War. Station publications give a hint as to the training program itself and handbooks for means for regulating the trainees. A bit more interesting is how the USMS wished to present itself to enrollees as seen in the Ship’s Company handbooks.

Click the title to open a pdf of the publication.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is neptune-143-0704.pngNeptune, July 10, 1943, Vol. II, No. 3 (Col. Alameda Museum)
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is neptune-143-0910.pngNeptune, September 10, 1943, Vol. II, No. 7 (Col. Alameda Museum)
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is neptune-145-1115.pngNeptune, November 15, 1945, Vol. IV, No. 6 (Col. Alameda Museum)
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1944-alameda-handbook.pngOfficer Candidates Handbook, 1944
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1945-alameda-handbook.pngOfficer Candidates Handbook, 1945 (Col. Alameda Museum)

usms cap badges

Evolution of United States Maritime Service Cap Badges

A cap badge serves as a visual marker of a maritime organization’s corporate identity; in this regard, the United States Maritime Service (USMS) is no different. What was different was the amount of experimentation in design from 1938 through 1942; this is both vexing and interesting for study. For USMS insignia, in general, there are several circulars from the war years detailing how the Administration tinkered with insignia, yet scant remains from the years prior to 1943. I have had to infer the existence or not of insignia by looking at extant regulations, deciphering U.S. Code, analyzing photographs, and mining collections. As alluded to in the page on United States Maritime Service shoulder boards, the Service’s insignia evolved and changed over time with each organizational change.

1938-42

USMS licensed officer enrollees at Hoffman Island, 1939-1940. Note sleeve braid of a junior officer. Enrollee in this context means someone enrolled in the USMS – USMS training cadre included – not necessarily a trainee.

The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 called for the training of American merchant seamen without much in the way of precedent. The nation had a handful of nautical schools to train young men to become ship officers, but there was nothing for the ordinary sailor. The last mass training of merchant seamen was for crewing Federally-built cargo ships during the First World War; but as the program reached fruition, the war ended. One of the first items of business of the new United States Maritime Commission was to convene a panel and embark upon a fact-finding mission on how to create a structure and program that worked.  After several months, the Commission’s suggestions reached Congress. In 1938 began the germ of a training program that reached critical importance in a few years. The failed federal government program of cadetships where young men were placed on ships of companies that held government subsidies was scrapped; it was replaced by the United States Maritime Commission Cadet Corps. The United States Maritime Service was an ex nihilo creation. The Commission called on the U.S. Coast Guard to have oversight of the training program.  It was a modest affair with a handful of U.S. Maritime Service training cadre; with the opening of general training centers on Hoffman Island in New York Harbor, and on Government Island in Alameda, California – both in 1938. Later came an additional training station on Gallops Island in Boston Harbor (also known as Gallups Is.); it was in operation for a few months in 1939 only to reopen in June 1940 as a radio school. Narratives from Gallops Island note that while the training program was undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guard, the school was not subject to rigid military regimentation – students were permitted liberal liberty to go about their own affairs. With the entry of the United States as an active belligerent in the Second World War, the training program for all merchant seamen came under the War Shipping Administration Training Division: licensed and unlicensed, and federal and state cadets. The USMS became the body responsible for training – and not under the guidance of the U.S. Coast Guard.  However, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard lent the USMS USCG cadre to help keep the training mission on a steady course. These administrators and instructors, along with USMS counterparts formed the core of USMS training schools. The Cadet Corps and its training cadre – once an independent body within the U.S. Maritime Commission – were also placed under the jurisdiction of the USMS. Nautical students suddenly found themselves subject to military discipline; New York State Maritime Academy cadets, exclaimed, “We’re all sailors, now!”

Cap badges, to some extent, matched the changes in ethos and connections of the USMS with other Federal bodies. The first cap badges worn by members of the USMS took their design cues from the U.S. Coast Guard. The 1938 cap badge (see above and gallery below) was the first cap badge worn by USMS officers (at the time called enrollees) and was first used by training cadre at Hoffman Island. It does not look too dissimilar to a U.S. Coast Guard cap badge. At this point in the Service’s history, it was concerned with remedying the failings in basic training as made evident by the SS Morro Castle Disaster in 1934. Lifeboat drills and a fleet of monomoys were common sights at the stations. The initial USMS cap badge was bureaucratic in design and was shared between the training cadre and the officer trainees.  A brass cap badge with the shield ringed in blue was worn by trainees, and a brass badge with the lettering, anchors, and stars in blue was worn by enrolled individuals or licensed officers acting as training cadre. The similarity in badge suggests both groups were driven by a sense of egalitarian community. By Fall 1942, there was more hierarchy in terms of cap badges; the goal of the program was to produce regimented and disciplined seamen. Training cadre cap badges had a decidedly Naval look to them – replete with an eagle with spread wings. By this point, hierarchy within USMS became established: cadre officers became known as “commissioned United Stated Maritime Service officers;” all others, “Ship’s Company men” and along with the change in title, so too uniforms and accouterments. Although as late as 1945, the term “enrolled” was used to denote members of the USMS.

In 1942, USMS enrolled (later commissioned) officers – ensign and above – wore a cap badge with a stylized U.S. Maritime Commission shield with an eagle perched atop it. These were instructors, administrators, and station physicians; regarding the latter, they were denoted as USMS – in later years they were all commissioned officers in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS).

Lower-ranking instructors who taught the basics of seamanship – most probably AB seamen from the industry – held the grade of USMS warrant officers. They wore the same embroidered cap badges as the other instructors; theirs was the same as the Executive officer’s as seen above.

There was a large contingent of U.S. Navy instructors who taught alongside the USMS cadre.  The majority of them were Warrant Officers; their cap badges were embroidered crossed anchors.

“Prospective Licensed Officers” were rated and paid at the rate of Chief Petty Officers. A glimpse of the uniforms worn by trainees at Government Island Training Station, Alameda in San Francisco Bay – as seen below – shows they did wear rank insignia similar to U.S. Coast Guard on their dress jacket sleeves. However, there was no consistency in the overall cap insignia design nor was there the wear of lapel devices. Collar dogs, as the discs on the lapels are called, were a hold-over from the initial uniform of the USMS training cadre. By 1942, Faculty and instructors did not wear these devices; they were retained for trainee uniforms. The pattern on the discs matches the central device on the large USMS cap badge of 1938 – I am aware of a single example of a collar dog with the blue band removed with the lettering and devices in blue as opposed to brass. Of the cap badges worn by the students, they wore embroidered badges of two variations – the first looking similar to a yacht club cap badge and the second the more common embroidered CPO badge of 1942. The former was found on an applied square badge, and the latter was sewn onto a “tombstone” cap band. There were two stamped-metal cap badges: an anchor with a soldered-on USMS disc, and a USMS disc placed over two crossed anchors. This last design was identified in USMS publications as late as 1944 as being “old-style” CPO.  My best guess is the embroidered badges were manufactured prior to the metal; and of the metal devices, the crossed anchor was the last.  Its design was continued after the re-design of USMS insignia; as was the practice of wearing collar dogs with the USMS device on trainee uniforms.

At Government Island, USMS training cadre Chief Petty Officers exclusively wore metal cap badges. It appears from position descriptions that USMS CPOs took on more station management roles than teaching.  Thus, they would be considered more in line as staff as opposed to holding a faculty position.  The cap badge, being metal followed the general trend of Chief Petty Officers wearing mass-produced badges, whereas officers wore embroidered cap badges. USMS training cadre CPO cap badges were of the metal USMS disc placed over crossed-anchors variety. In all probability the CPO badge was made of silver since brass – an alloy comprised of strategically important copper and zinc – was reserved for war material.

Late 1942

As evident in the cap badges of the Government Island trainees, there was an overlap in insignia styles.  This was most probably due to the Service attempting to find its own style – the training program was officially handed to the USMS in July 1942 from the U.S. Coast Guard by Executive Order (E.O. 9198 July 11, 1942). By the time the photos of the trainees were taken in September 1942 upon their matriculation into the program, a redesign of insignia was already underway.  The most noted change was the use of the U.S. Maritime Commission shield as seen in the USMS trainee cap badge type 4 and USMS CPO badge Type 1. Unlike all other insignia, the shield in type 4 is a pronounced federal shield. I have marked this as type 4, since all other cap badges and collar dogs are in the Art Deco-style; it is most probably the precursor to stamped-metal USMS CPO badge Type 2.

1943

The handsome cap badge most associated with the United States Maritime Service and American Merchant Marine was originally worn by both the training cadre and Cadet Officers of the U.S. Maritime Commission Cadet Corps. Cadet Officers were a class of students who already held a license but – for one reason or another – could not find a berth and were enrolled in the Cadet Corps program for additional courses and experience. This badge was first noted in Uniform Regulations of United States Maritime Commission Cadet Corps (January 9, 1942). On January 7, 1943, the War Shipping Administration opened up the appointment of officers in the USMS to all interested and credentialled American merchant seamen per General Order 23, Supp. 1 (8 FR 1943, p 377). The cap badge once reserved for Cadet Officers became the symbol of the officer corps of the Service. All other cap badges worn by officers and training cadre officers were no longer worn after this point.

Detail of Cadet Officer cap badge figure in Uniform Regulations of United States Maritime Commission Cadet Corps (1942). Col.: AMMM.

Cap badges for Officer trainees continued to be USMS CPO badge Type 2 for the duration of the war; albeit in nickel with silver plating. Trainees continued to wear collar dogs whereas administrative CPOs within the USMS did not. Unlike the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, there was no intermediate cap badge for warrant officers with the USMS. This lack of cap badge could have been for a variety of reasons. In the fleet, given the fact that the practicality and fluidity of leadership positions aboard a merchantman did not mirror that of a man-of-war, there was no need for yet another cap badge.  And, the USMS training organization itself was small – of the 164 USMS training and administrative officers on staff at USMS Officers School at Fort Trumbull, New London, Connecticut in Fall 1944, only six were warrant officers – thus sleeve, shoulder, and collar insignia achieved the goal of rank identification.

Captain Alfred G, Ford, USMS 1944.

1944-1945

United States Maritime Service Training Station Sheepshead Bay, although it was the nation’s poster child for regimented USMS training, some of the USMS Chief Petty Officers pushed the envelope with their cap badges. While a majority wore USMS CPO badge Type 2, a couple wore cap badges that had woven anchors with an insigne similar to the USMS Officer Trainee collar dog in the center – in essence combining the traditional woven CPO/cadre badge with that metal badge (noted as Composite. below). The insigne lacks the outer loop of twined rope; this instead is substituted by wire that is affixed to the cap badge pad and circumscribes the insigne. A trainee collar dog is, therefore, not simply placed in the middle of an old woven CPO cap badge, therefore this composite cap badge was purpose-made. Moreover, another CPO is found in 1944 wearing a CPO cap badge with the anchor ring cut out on a backing pad, thus mimicking the feel of the older woven cap badge.

  • CPO Cap Badge Type 2 Variant 2
  • CPO Cap Badge Composite
Gallery

References

United States. Federal Register, January 9, 1942 (8 FR 1943). GPO, Washington D.C., 1943 p. 377.

United States, Maritime Commission. Uniform Regulations of United States Maritime Commission Cadet Corps (January 9, 1942). Washington, D.C., 1942.

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U.S. Maritime Service Chief Petty Officer

War Shipping Administration, U.S. Maritime Service training cadre CPO/trainee. 1942.

U.S. Maritime Service Chief Petty Office cap badge (Type 2a – Variant 1)
One-piece construction. Seal, 25mm diameter; Anchor, 50mm length.
A. E. Co. (American Emblem Company, Utica, New York) hallmark.
Anchor and device stamped nickel; red enamel band and shield.
Circa 1942.

This is the first example of the second design of the USMS CPO hat badge; the first design was worn briefly from 1941, up until WSA control of the USMS in July 1942 with the illustrated badge appearing in August 1942. The former badge may be found in plain brass as well as in nickel – as is the case of this badge. This badge, appearing in nickel is a bridge between the more common second design manufactured by Coro in silver plate.

It is unknown at this time whether or not American Emblem Company manufactured a miniature of this device. It is also unknown if there are collar dogs made by American Emblem Company; thus far, only Coro hallmarked examples are known.

USMS CPO Hat badge, obverse.

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USMS CPO Hat badge, reverse.
A close-up of the reverse details the A. E. Co (American Emblem Company) hallmark as well as the relative thinness of the badge. This variant, most likely due to the preponderance of Coro badges may be of a short, limited run. Coro, it is noted, did not produce the first variant of the CPO badge. Either A. E. Co. nor Coro produced the USMS commissioned officer cap badge patterns from 1942 onward.