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.
☆ ☆ ☆
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.
☆ ☆ ☆
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.
☆ ☆ ☆
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.
☆ ☆ ☆
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.
☆ ☆ ☆
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.
☆ ☆ ☆
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.
☆ ☆ ☆
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.
☆ ☆ ☆
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:
- Distinguished Service Medal: Both manuals maintain similar criteria, emphasizing “exceptional performance or service that was of singularly outstanding benefit.”
- 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.
- 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.