The American Merchant Marine falls under the Department of Commerce during peace time. The U.S. Coast Guard is under the Department of the Treasury. During WW-II certain members of the Merchant Marine were employed by the War Shipping Administration or Office of Defence Transportation. Under contract to the ODT they may have been assigned to U.S. Army Transportation Service or the Naval Transportation Service. If these persons had service aboard oceangoing voyages engaged in foreigh, near foreign, intercoastal, costal or coastwise service may be eligible for certain veteran benefits and a military discharge certificate. Such service would be found in thier "Seamans Papers". Period covered is from 7 Dec 1941 to 15 Aug 1945; except for those who may have been captured and held as prisoners of war. Hope this helps.... -- Loren {:-)> HOKC *))))) TSG, USAF, Retired God gives us relatives, but allows us to choose friends. He has blessed me with those who are both. >From Iola, in the rolling hills of SE Kansas