Bruce Wagenstein

The United States Merchant Marine is a vital civilian auxiliary that has served alongside the U.S. military during every major conflict since the Revolutionary War. During World War II, the Merchant Marine played a critical role in transporting troops, equipment, and supplies across dangerous waters, often facing enemy submarines and aircraft. Merchant Mariners suffered one of the highest casualty rates of any service in the war, with thousands losing their lives to enemy action. Today, the Merchant Marine continues to support military operations and humanitarian missions worldwide, operating under both peacetime and wartime conditions.