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H.R. 23, The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009
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Visitor Comments 
Arlene Stoffel
January 25, 2009, 5:09pm (report abuse)What happened to payments to spouses of deceased Merchant Marines?
Carrie Fowler
February 2, 2009, 5:52am (report abuse)RE: H.R. Bill 23, Belated Thank You. Respectfully asking you restore horor to President Roosevelt's promise to WWII Merchant Marines. Over 60 years is long enough time to get it right. Their sacriifice is immeasurable. Dare I ask what is direct enemy action to retun home disadvanated to all other men who served. Benefits were given to men who never left the states, some not even enlisted until after the war ended. It's time to fullfil what President Roosevelt hoped, imagined & promised would be done after him. This is a debt owed to those men and their families. America cannot afford to allow this to continue. so allow this now to be done without further hesitation and with God's speed. My husband was awarded many combat bars, Silver Star more than once, and other medals, and was on the D-day invasion. I am almost 82 years of age and I remain avaible to assist in this in any way I can , including coming to speak in Washington DC.
Sincerely, Mrs. Jack D. Fowler
404-262-6107
Paul Currie
February 2, 2009, 10:59pm (report abuse)There is not many of us left. We are all in our 80s or 90s.It is criminal that our govt.does not help us out when our needs are the highest. TO THE SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN: Make our remaining years easier. Thank you.
Don Horton
February 8, 2009, 8:41pm (report abuse)I don't believe the good old USA will ever recognize our veterans of the MM in WW II. On Mar. 20 1944, the USCG directed the masters of tugs, towboats and seagoing barges from issuing discharges to seamen and in 1970 the Maritime Administration orders logbooks of ships owned/orperated by the WSA to be destroyed because they were too costly to maintain. These are the two documents that are required for the Mariner to be eligible benefits as stated by the NMC. Unless congress provides legislation for alternate methods to gain recognition, these seagoing people will never be recognized. And, unless the other veteran oganizations accept and support this legislation congress will always find away to shelve this proposal. Someone has to find away for the chairman of the Senate Veteran Affairs committee to get off his but and let the bill get on the floor for a vote.
Willliam F Mack
February 14, 2009, 3:52am (report abuse)I am a 90 year old WW 2 Merchant Seamean. If we don't get this bill passesd this year It will never be passeds beforem I die.
Henry Ross
February 19, 2009, 1:22pm (report abuse)Filipino WWII Veterans get compensation for Americans great respect in our armed forces.
American Merchant Marine WWII Veterans, Still on Washington's door step bagging for help?
Sharon Rossbach
February 25, 2009, 4:10pm (report abuse)Why the delay in passing this bill?
Most all the WWII Merchant Marines are 80 plus years old. It is certainly due, since my husband did not get the GI bill and a head start when discharged. It would be appreciated before all have passed away.
Michelle Rockman
March 1, 2009, 2:11pm (report abuse)How long does it take to get this bill passed. This has been tossed around way too long. My father passed away, and my mother is 90 and could desperately use the "belated thank you" pension, which is long overdue.
Carla Knebel
March 1, 2009, 3:38pm (report abuse)I urge everyone to contact their legislative representatives as well as their respective state Governors and President Obama. This week he announced pay raises for our military - maybe the few Merchant Marines that are still alive could be added to the stimulus package. I, too, have a father (82) that patiently awaits fair compensation due him and my mother for his service to our country. He continues to assist with military funerals and supporting our local veteran events. Maybe soon the government will approve the small "thank you" for these dedicated, but forgotten, soldiers.
Lydia Mcneil
March 9, 2009, 12:01am (report abuse)My father, Jose Gonzalez died March 6, 2008 at the age of 87, hoping and praying that the government would approve due compensation for him and my mom. He served in WWII from the beginning and before. Shame on those who refuse to honor so many MM who gave their lives for their country and those who are still alive waiting to recognized for their bravery. When my dad passed away he and my mom had been married 62 yrs. I hope that she is compensated in his stead. Thank you
Vicky Canter
March 25, 2009, 8:54pm (report abuse)I agree with all the comments that have been sent in on this subject. I have been reading them for years, ever since the bill was mentioned. My father, Harry Guerin, is 83 yrs old and signed up for the Merchant Marines at the age of 17. He like so many others signed up to fight for our country.... not even knowing what they were getting themselves into...they didn't think twice about that decision .... why is it taking Washington so long to make the right decision. I can not believe this bill has not been passed yet. We, as a family, have been reading about this bill for years... I guess now that the whole country is in trouble once again the Merchant Marines will be put on the back burner. As everyone knows, there are only a few WWII Merchant Marines left - can Washington step up to the plate and do the right thing......pass the bill and start making payments to those who did not think twice about signing up knowing there was a War going on.
candace heathman
March 28, 2009, 1:40pm (report abuse)I agree with everything that has been posted to date. My big question is how can our government deny 80+ year old US citizen veterans their thank you when they take care of nonamerican veterans(the Filipinos)? This is a rash miscarriage of justice in my opinion:( Our government should be ashamed of themselves for this oversight. Give these brave men their THANK YOU, before it is to late.
Wilfred R. Kelley
March 28, 2009, 11:33pm (report abuse)We have all been hearing about this bill for quite some time now. If not now, WHEN? I served during WW II in the Atlantic and the Pacific, and was drafted in 1954 during the Korean War. The young men of WWII made many sacrifices in serving their country.Isn't it about time the Senate took action on this most needed bill.
Dennie Rhoades
April 6, 2009, 3:20pm (report abuse)My Father was an MM in WWII, Shame onthe U.S. for thier lack of attention to its honored Soldiers, regardless of wether they served on the beaches of Normandy or inthe waters of the Atlantic and Pacific. Get it right Gentlemen and Ladies. DO IT NOW!
Walter Sama
April 13, 2009, 12:56am (report abuse)I served iun the USMM during World War II in all theatres i.e. Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean- Middle East. When I was discharged in 1946 all I got was "thanks for your service". No GI Bill of Rights...nothing. If the Senate does not bring this bill to the floor soon, we can all forget about ever seeing a single dime. The US sends billions and billions of dollars to Israel, Egypt, and many other countries, many of them hate our guts,yet when it comes to helping our own,they automatically develop memory-loss!
Hugh R Burns
April 18, 2009, 5:09pm (report abuse)I like others joined the Merchant Marines after trying to enlist in the Army,Navy,Marines and the Coast Guard. Because of poor eyes I was turned down but went to sea to serve my country in the Merchant Marines. Wheres my thanks.
Henry Ross
April 21, 2009, 12:58pm (report abuse)I was in the USMM in WWII @age 16.
I agree we need help, As veterans.
Let the Law makers know of your of your interest and contacting them.
Phone,e-mail or fax them.
Ask your US Congressmen or Women to please Cosponsor Bill HR-23 .
Ask your US Senator to Please Cosponsor Bill S-663. All of this may help.
Cheri Cooper
May 6, 2009, 10:10am (report abuse)This subject never fails to make my blood boil and tears flow. My dad, Charles Butto, was a sixteen year old boy with polio when he proudly became a Merchant Marine in 1943. He died in 2004 before our family heard about this bill but, know that he would have wholeheartedly agreed that a thank you was long overdue. In his honor, I will again express my opinion to the congress and senate. Just as all of you have said, just how long does it take to do the right thing?
Russell Jacobs
May 11, 2009, 12:55pm (report abuse)Why is it taking so long to pass this bill which is long overdue for very deserving Merchant Marines veterans like myself? It is heartless to let the few of us who are still alive die waiting for promised compensation.
Currency Converter
May 12, 2009, 2:15am (report abuse)I will be the happiest person on this earth if the veterans of MM WW11 are given the due recognition.My Uncle Savio fernandis who was a member of MM WW11 died at the age of 76 last year hoping that he and his wife will be approved due compensation
by the Govt.
james
Bruce Zaro
May 13, 2009, 12:01pm (report abuse)I have not seen any language in the bill to suggest that widows of Merchant Marines would be due any compensation. My father died in 1983, but served in the North Atlantic, should not my mother be eligible. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks BZ
Henry Ross
May 13, 2009, 12:46pm (report abuse)THOMAS (Library of Congress)
House Report 111-099 calendar No.45
(Paraphrased)
Using DoD & CBO amounts authorized for 2009 through 2014 if Appropriated would last to pay the beneficiaries.Amendments could alter this.
As a member of American Merchant Marine Veterans; I hope we do well with HR-23 & S-663
Bruce Zaro
May 13, 2009, 1:07pm (report abuse)Henry,
Do I understand you correctly - based on the appropriations, there is a current provison that survivors of American Merchant Marine Veterans will recieve benefits or that it would take further ammendments to the current bill to allow payment of benefits to survivors of
Merchant Marine Vets?
Thanks
BZ
Brenda Bedolla
May 13, 2009, 3:11pm (report abuse)My father is a Merchant Merine Vet. i have followed this for a while now and I hope for all of you this goes through "You All So Deserve". BUT they say you must sign up before 10/2009. Where is it that you sign up. My Mom called the Secretary of the VA and no one knows nothing.
Henry Ross
May 13, 2009, 5:56pm (report abuse)Question Bruce, I have no Law Degree only using good judgment.
MM Vet files application for Act of 2009, Then receives it then when
when this Vet goes over the Bar ?
Beneficiaries. The person named designated to receive the income of a trust, estate.
Brenda:At the bottom of HR-23 & S-663, In Sec. (b)you will find the loop hole Clerical Amendment
Brenda Bedolla
May 14, 2009, 6:03pm (report abuse)I sure would like to meet Steve Buyer from Indiana face to face and give him a piece of my mind. He's a JURK !!!
Henry Ross
May 15, 2009, 9:07pm (report abuse)HR-23 past the house. S-663 is in Senate Veterans Affair's. Word on the street Sen. Akaka will block S-663 the same as S-961.
Senator Akaka represents the state of Hawaii, History will show in WWII the Merchant Marine put them selves in harms way to keep the supply rout open for Food, Medication Ect, ect. Senator Akaka's contempt for the Merchant Marine can only reflect a ungrateful state of Hawaii.
William Ayres
May 20, 2009, 6:39pm (report abuse)I joined the Merchant Marine at 17 years of age. It was not a consideration if I would be included in the GI Bill benefits.
I went to college with people who
never went over-seas but were enjoying the GI Bill while I worked.
Mary Martinez
May 23, 2009, 2:44pm (report abuse)What amazes me the most is that our politicians are quick to vote for all the bail out crap for companies that have mismanaged their business affairs - but drag their feet when it comes to passing this long over due Bill. Merchant Marine veterans - you deserve more than just a Thank You - but as an American Citizen - from the bottom of my heart - THANK YOU - They should put the Bill on the Ballot for all American Citizens to vote for it - I am sure is would pass hands down and payable immediately...Look at how fast they voted for all of those Tax rebates that benefited the top 10% more than the average American Citizen....I urge all of our people in every level of our government to pass this long overdue Thank You compensation to our Merchant Marine Veterans.
John Courville
May 23, 2009, 4:25pm (report abuse){ am one of the surviving Mariners who sailed T=2 tankers in the Pacific WW2 .The crew were between the ages of 18 through 90 all volenters. I still remember F.D.R.
promises and All the presidents since have made proclamations including Obama May,22,2009 but we are still waiting for action. One of President Obama's first acts was to compensate the WW2 Filipinos but left us out!!
Mike Riley
May 23, 2009, 4:39pm (report abuse)The longer the Congress delays this bill, the more Merchant Marine veterans will die without as much as a "thank you". Shame on our lawmakers who have no compassion for those who defended our shores in WWII.
William J. Kurdi
May 24, 2009, 7:29pm (report abuse)I left high school to enlist in the US Navy at seventeen but was rejected for a physical reason. Then I went to the Merchant Marines and they enlised me in. I served in every theatre of way. Spent three months at ss a out patient in the US Public Service Hospital for jaw work. Lost most of my teeth at nineteen We deserve much credit. Without the USMM we would have lost the world. We carrie years of agconnected. I worked to save the world with 14 million veterans of WW2. We would not have won the war if we did not carry supplies to all the other branches of service. We deserve much credit for winning the war. I served in 1943,1944,1945
WJKURDI@YAHOO.COM
May 24, 2009, 7:32pm (report abuse)WILLIAM J. KURDI, 6650 franklin avenus, apt. 603, los angeles, ca. 9002
William J. Kurdi, 6650 FRanklin Avenue, Apt. 603, Los Angeles, CA. 90028
ED DZALAK
May 26, 2009, 9:57pm (report abuse)I SAILED DURING WW11, WE WERE SECRETIVE, SLIP OF LIP CAN SINK A SHIP! WHEN ASKED WHAT DID FOR WW11? I SAILED IN THE MERCHANT MARINE, WHAT IS THAT? AND MY *SS HAS BEEN KICKED EVER SINCE,WE ALL SUFFERED THIS SH*T! BUILD YOU UP, AND KICK YOU IN THE *SS. THAT IS ALL WE GOT>
Henry Ross
May 27, 2009, 2:35pm (report abuse)Committee on Veterans Affair's: Hearings.
Thank you American Legion.
CONCLUSION of Testimony.
The American Legion's position that a veteran is a veteran regardless of branch service or occupation specialty. All of the men and women who have answered the call to serve their country are equal veterans and thus deserve equitable treatment under the Law.(American Legion's position is welcome)
The Merchant Marine Veteran in WWII
served in all combat area's.
Sandra Lee
June 1, 2009, 2:56pm (report abuse)As a young man, my father served bravely as a Merchant Marine in World War II. He shipped out on various missions on the Cape Kumukaki, M/V Coastal Conqueror, James K. Kelly, and the SS Wm. H. Mc Guffey Vessels to Coastwise and Foreign Ports under the most severe conditions. We as a family hold his service to our country in high honor and would expect our government leaders to pass this bill to give a long forgotten benefit to an extremely brave branch of our military. WWII Filipinos received compensation through the Stimulus Bill...where is the compensation to our US Merchant Marines? Most are in their 80's...do the right thing and grant just compensation for the honorable patriotic men who stepped forward to serve in war's way. God bless our aging Merchant Marines!
wILLIAM j. kURDI
June 3, 2009, 4:48pm (report abuse)PLEASE REMOVE MY HOME ADDRESS FROM THIS LIST. I AM 84 YEARS OLD. i DONOT WANT ANY UNLISTED VISITORS. THANK YOU
William J. Kurdi
June 4, 2009, 6:23pm (report abuse)I did not offer my home address. Please remove my home address from this report.
Steve Carlson
June 9, 2009, 9:22pm (report abuse)Are widows authorized payments if the bill is passed?
Lorraine
June 10, 2009, 7:27am (report abuse)I'd also like to know if the widows would be entitled to the money for deceased Merchant Marines. My father was a Merchant Marine before, during, and after WWII. Would my elderly mother receive compensation?
Delbert
June 10, 2009, 8:25am (report abuse)Our goverment should be ashamed of there selves! when they are giving other countries penifits and are not taking coare of there own !
Bruce Zaro
June 10, 2009, 10:51am (report abuse)Lorraine and Steve,
My mother is in the same situation, a widow of a merchant marine and I would like to know if she is entitled. How might we find out if they are entitled?
Thanks BZ
Steve Carlson
June 10, 2009, 11:11am (report abuse)Looking at the current bills, I don't see widows mentioned. However, looking at past articles, it appears "survivors" were covered. I hope the widows weren't dropped as part of some political compromise.
Brenda Bedolla
June 10, 2009, 2:12pm (report abuse)If I'm not mistaken,Congressmen Steve Buyer from Indiana stopped it dead in its water. I read the artical in Military.com. I hope I'm wrong
Steve Carlson
June 10, 2009, 2:57pm (report abuse)Brenda - I just sent Buyer an email. I'll post any reply I get.
Brenda Bedolla
June 10, 2009, 3:53pm (report abuse)Thanks Steve, I started my email to him, but I am so P.O. that I can't think straight. Lets take ALL his Vet rights away for the 20 years and see how fast he moves to get it back.
Carla Satterfield
June 11, 2009, 6:51pm (report abuse)My father was in the merchant marines. How do I find out if my mother is entitled to benefits? She has gone to her local VA office and they know nothing.
Willliam J. Kurdi
June 16, 2009, 6:21pm (report abuse)I have asked you to remove my address from this report. I am 84. Why don't you take care of my request. Thank you. William J. Kurdi.
William J. Kurdi
June 16, 2009, 6:22pm (report abuse)I just asked you to remove my address from this list.
Paul A. Love
June 19, 2009, 10:07am (report abuse)I went to sea at age 17 in the U.S. Merchant Marine and sailed during the war in both troop ships and cargo ships in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific. I lost many shipmates to submarines and many others to penury because their meager pay stopped when their ships sank. I waited 43 years before my country finally, and reluctantly, provided a version of veterans' health care benefits to WWII merchant seamen. We were in our sixties then, we are in our eighties now. We were all volunteers and we were all in combat from the time our ships left port. The British have a plaque thanking us because we kept them from becoming a part of the Nazi continent. The U.S. has nothing recognizing our sacrifice.DI
william j. Kurdi
June 21, 2009, 7:24pm (report abuse)You have posted wrong address for William J. Kurdi, Correct address is Post Office Box 1312, Los Angeles, CA. 90078-1312. Thank you. William J. Kurdi
W. ANDERSON
June 29, 2009, 8:40pm (report abuse)CAN SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE ME THE PRESENT STATUS OF S 663 -NOBODY SEEMS TO KNOW IF IT'S DICARDED OR WHAT.
R. Coffman
June 30, 2009, 6:22pm (report abuse)My husband lied about his age and joined at 16.He still gets tears in his eyes when relating some of the stories.He has dementia and is failing fast.Where do they sign up?
William H. Anderson
July 5, 2009, 9:24pm (report abuse)After high school I enlisted in the U S MERCHANT MARINES. I had three months of tough boot camp on Catalina Island in the Maritime Service then boarded the S S Benjamin Bonneville. This was 1943, and the beginning of many ships and Now we must beg for recognition and a paltry $ 1000.00
per month. I am 83 years old and could sure use the money. WAKE UP SENATE - OK S 663.
Pete Bluhm
July 10, 2009, 8:37pm (report abuse)I started in 1943 at Catalina Island,and sailed continously till 1953.I have contacted Virgina Senator Jim Webb, who is on the Senate Veterans Affairs Commitee.There is no reason we should be denied this compensation
just Frank
August 11, 2009, 12:23am (report abuse)Chairman of the Veterans Affairs committee, Senator Akaka blocked passage in the 110th congress even with 61US Senators sponsoring passage. One of the panelist in panel # 3, stated he wanted to set the record right and gave a twisted tale about casualities touted and how we recieved veterans status,in 1988 claiming it was as a result of his sucesful authorship that he submitted in the 1980s. He also in response to a question by Sen Burr stated he did not want the legislation to pass.
Senator Akaka has conducted another sham hearing in the 111th congress on 4-29-2009 with panelists only opposing passage of S 663
Bobbi De La Cruz
August 30, 2009, 2:02pm (report abuse)On behalf of my 81 year old Father, who served as a Merchant Marine, who proudly served his country also as a sailor in the US Navy. They deserve the THANK YOU! Especially before many more pass away. The too risked their lives for our freedoms today, and without protest. My father wanted so much to serve his country, he forged papers at a young age. With his parents permission, the Merchant Mariners accepted him and he served. World War II, and the Korean War as many of them did. Honor them! Give them that Big Thank You, don't allow many more to go to their graves without it.
QUENTIN WOODLEE
October 7, 2009, 5:10pm (report abuse)WHEN I WAS 16 DAD SIGNED ME INTO THE USMS 1944 AND 1945 I WAS IN THE ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC HOSTILE WATERS NOW I AM 82 LAST YEAR I HEARD ABOUT BELATED THANK YOU FOR MM BUT NOW I THINK IT IS DEAD.
W D Schomerus
October 13, 2009, 11:54am (report abuse)Shipmates we might as well call in the dogs and pee on the fire the hunts over and we lost. Bill s663 is as dead as a mackeral. I think Senator is a traitor.
Ed Woods
October 13, 2009, 9:43pm (report abuse)In May 1944, the US Maritime Service recruited SIXTEEN year olds for service in the Merchant Marine. The kids enlisted (dropped out of school) delivered the goods and fought off the enemy. At the end of the war: no help to return to school: they were given a Certificate of Service: an exemption from the DRAFT.
In 1950, they were called to the Draft Boards and told the Certificate applied to the 1941 Draft Law. "This is a new Draft law-pack your bag and get ready to be drafted to serve in the Korean War.
Shame on somebody.
pamela kurzka
October 16, 2009, 11:31am (report abuse)Myboyfriend,Richard Shea, served in the Merchant Marine from 1941-1943.He made 3 runs to Murmansk during this time, and was finally torpedoed near the Azores,but was rescued. From 1943-1945 dick served in the US Army in Italy and France. He died in 2004.Dick thought he was well paid for his service,but he did think the merchant service was more dangerous than the army. Neither Dick nor I will receive any benefits from this bill, but I think it should be passed. The Merchant Mariners served valiently under conditions of great peril, and they were absolutely essential to the winning of WW2. They and their spouses deserve this small gesture of thanks from the government before they are all gone.
Thomas Hanley
October 19, 2009, 1:47pm (report abuse)There are 15 senators on the Veteran Affairs Committee. Five of them are co-sponsers of this bill.
Three more votes would give us a majority. Is one senator able to stop the bill in its tracks? If so,this doesn't sound like a democraccy to me.
Mrs. Henry Buehner
October 21, 2009, 7:15pm (report abuse)This "dragging of feet" is rediculous!!! These men served and most received NO compensation. This is a SMALL amount compared to the Billions our Government is spending on nonsense!!!
Where can I find out what is happening NOW!!!
Jerry Greenberg
October 22, 2009, 7:21pm (report abuse)Today the President signed a new Veteran's Health bill. Many referrals were made to the sacrifice of Veterans. Of course the Merchant Marine was not mentioned. I guess for the congressional bills to pass will be put on hold until we are all LONG GONE!
Shawn Haley
October 29, 2009, 10:09am (report abuse)The VFW itself was totally against this bill being passed, And so was the American Legion , they both said there were other groups in the war that were far more deserving.... The Merchant Marines had the highest % of casualties of any other branch in the military... I think the VFW should learn more about the Merchant Marines before they make a statement like that !!
Shawn Haley
October 29, 2009, 10:14am (report abuse)Oh, and a big thank you goes to Hillary Clinton when she was Senator of New York for thinking more about her personal agenda rather than those that put thier lives on the line in WWII
Jerome PANCHERI
October 30, 2009, 1:44pm (report abuse)how to find out if S-663 is passed and how to apply for the Payment of 1,000.00
Jerry Greenberg
November 3, 2009, 1:13pm (report abuse)If, as is stated, that the VFW and American Legion opposed any benefits for the Merchant Marine vets, I will withhold any donations that I have been making over the years!!!
W Schomerus
November 13, 2009, 12:07pm (report abuse)There was one big thing different about the WW11 Merchant Marine. We had NO DRAFTEES. We didn't join because we had to. WE VOLUNTEERED
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