Awards and decorations of the United States Merchant Marine


Awards and decorations of the United States Merchant Marine are civilian decorations of the United States which are issued to the members of the United States Merchant Marine for a variety of duties both in peace and war. Originally authorized to be issued by the War Shipping Administration of the World War II era, these awards were later issued by the Maritime Commission and are currently issued by the Department of Transportation's Martitime Administration.
All historical and active decorations of the U.S. Merchant Marine are as follows:

U.S. Merchant Marine Decorations

World War II Decorations & Service pins

World War II Campaign Medals

Decorations awarded by the US Department of Defense and foreign governments

The Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal is awarded to U.S. merchant seamen who serve on U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving American and allied military forces. The medal is not specific to a certain military operation or conflict, but the award citation would give such details. It has been presented to individuals for service in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Restore Hope and Operation United Shield
. It has also been presented to Merchant Mariners sailing in support of Naval Operations with the US Navy's Military Sealift Command, including Cadet Midshipman at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.