To date, there are fewer than 5,000 WWII Mariners left of the more than 200,000 Americans who braved troubled seas to deliver crucial supplies to the battlefields of EU & the Pacific. Facing enemy attacks, they suffered higher casualty rates than any other U.S. service. It took decades to secure veterans' status for WWII Mariners. Most weren't recognized until 1988 & they were never eligible for the GI Bill which helped many veterans transition more seamlessly. "To right this wrong,...this bill would provide a one-time payment of $25,000" to these few forgotten heroes, most of which are well into their 90's. There is bi-partisan support for this bill. Initially proposed in 2004 with variations each year after, it's time to finally make it happen for these very deserving Americans.



