Merchant Marine Mariner's Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Established by an Act of Congress on 10 May 1943.
2. This medal was/is only awarded to Merchant Marine seamen.
3. Prior to the creation of the Mariner's Medal in 1943 there was not medal for injured seaman.  This medal is the equivalent of the Purple Heart issued by the other uniformed services.
4. Awarded to merchant seamen who, while serving on a ship from December 7, 1941 to July 25, 1947, were wounded or suffered physical injury as a result of an act of an enemy of the United States.
5. Not more than one Mariner's Medal shall be awarded to any one seaman, but for each succeeding service of any seaman sutllcient to Justify the award, a gold star will be Issued to be attached to the medal ribbon or worn on the ribbon bar.
6. Not more than one Mariner's Medal shall be awarded to any one seaman, but for each succeeding service of any seaman sutllcient to justify the award, a gold star will be issued to be attached to the medal ribbon or worn on the ribbon bar. to him, the medal may be presented to the person named in the War Risk Polley as .his beneftciary. In the event that such beneftclary is located in a foreign country, the award may be delivered to the Secretary of State of the United States for future presentation.

Background:

1. The Medal
1. Obverse
   The obverse depicts an eagle and anchor, arranged so that they form a saltire.
2. Reverse
   The reverse shows a hand bearing a torch of liberty emerging from stylized waves with a laurel wreath behind. The following words are inscribed at the top "UNITED STATES" and at the bottom "MERCHANT MARINE".
2. Subsequent awards of the medal are represented by 5/16th inch gold stars affixed to both the suspension ribbon and the ribbon bar. 
3. On original Second World War issues of the Mariner's Medal, a small triangle separates "United" and "States"; reissues have a small dot. Also on originals, the designer's initials "P.M." (Paul Manship), are below the wreath, to either side of the cuff; subsequent re-issues of the medal lack these devices.
4. In all, 6,635 Mariner's Medals were awarded for service during the war. All further awards of the medal were suspended on June 30, 1956.