Merchant Marine Defense Medal

Awarded to civilian seafarers having served on merchant vessels between September 8, 1939 and December 7, 1941. Design: The shield and anchor, from the United States Maritime Service Seal, are superimposed in a ship's wheel, denoting control and maritime service. The laurel branches symbolize achievement and excellence. The United States Merchant Marine comprises the merchant ships that are used to transport both imports and exports during peace time and serves as an auxiliary to the United States Navy during times of war, delivering both troops and supplies to the military, as well as goods for the welfare of the country, under hazardous conditions, usually by convoy. The Merchant Marine is civilian except in times of war, when they are effectively considered military personnel governed under the provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. A merchant mariner is a seafarer or mariner in the United States Merchant Marine.