Veterans Benefits for Merchant Mariners Who Served During The Vietnam Era in The Southeast Asia Theater of Operations

Congress did not include merchant marine veterans in the original G.I. Bill, even though they are considered military personnel in times of war in accordance with the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. Eventually the WWII Merchant Marines were given veterans status. In the 1st Session of 109th Congress on November 9, 2005, H.R. 4261 was introduced in the House of Representatives. H.R. 4261 was a bill to provide eligibility for veterans benefits for individuals who served in the United States Merchant Marine in the Southeast Asia Theater of Operations during the Vietnam Era. The bill was not enacted. This petition is to provide veterans benefits for US Merchant Mariners who served in the Southeast Asia Theater of Operations during the Vietnam Era.