The U.S. Merchant Marine was a fleet of government-owned vessels operated by private shipping companies, and during World War II it transported 85% of the troops, ammunition, and supplies used to support the Allied war effort, contributing decisively to Allied victory. The U.S. Navy Armed Guard manned the guns on merchant ships. Merchant mariners suffered a higher percentage of deaths than any branch of armed service, with one in 26 dying in the line of duty. All who served with the U.S. Merchant Marine were volunteers, ranging in age from 16 to 78, and no one was drafted into the U.S. Maritime Service; many were considered unfit for military service because of health or disabilities, yet chose to face submarines, surface ships, aircraft, mines, and the sea itself. More than 9300 mariners were killed and more than 12,000 wounded, while the U.S. Navy Armed Guard lost more than 2,000 men, with 1,100 wounded and 600 captured as prisoners of war. More than 863 ships were lost to enemy action, including 31 that vanished without a trace. Mariners were paid only while serving aboard ship, so if a ship was sunk their pay ended and they had to find their own way home at their own expense; after returning to port, many sought another vessel and went back to sea, sometimes only to lose another ship. They continued their work after the peace treaty was signed until all troops were safely home, but returning mariners received no priority for postwar jobs or medical care for disabilities and were not eligible for unemployment compensation or low-cost loans for education, homes, or small businesses. The U.S. government finally granted veteran status to the Merchant Marine in 1988.
