So, were Merchant Mariners given weapons? How did they defend themselves? I recall reading somewhere that their ships were crewed by the mariners, but defended by armed Navy personnel.
As I mentioned before, my great-grandfather was a merchant mariner. It's actually kind of a strange thing, because he has an enlistment record (drafted into the Army in 1942), but the photo we have of him in his uniform portrays him in a merchant marine uniform! I will have to scan that photo next time I am at my grandmother's house.
I have a lot of respect for the mariners. I recall reading that Reagan granted them veteran status during his presidency. Unfortunately, that was pretty late...
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