Some 30,000 coastwise merchant seamen served on coastwise barges and tugs during WW II carring bulk war materials to defense plants along the Eastern Seaboard. These materials were then made into the various battle equipment and supplies (guns, clothing, tanks, airplanes, ammunition, etc) to support the war effort being fought on three fronts overseas keeping the enemy from our doorsteps. This e
ffort resulted in our freedom, the freedom we now enjoy today. These seamen were mainly older and less healthier than those serving on the larger oceangoing vessels and were comprised of men, women and some school children during school breaks. They traveled at a snail's pace of 3-5 knots in the sub infested waters of the Atlantic. Official documentation for their services have been denied or destroyed by government actions keeping them from gaining recognition as veterans. Help is needed to both identify these veterans and then having them recognized for their services. This seems to be only corrected through legislative actions in both the house and the senate. WE need help in getting there. It should be noted that women were denied officail documentation during this timeframe but they served anyway and they should be recognized for their efforts.
