Does the U.S. Maritime Service have veteran status?
No. Applications by the U.S. Maritime Service for veteran status were denied 4 times by the so-called Civilian Review Board run by the Air Force. The U.S. Maritime Service was an official, uniformed, armed service created by the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. Basic, advanced and Officer Candidate Schools were run by the U.S. Coast Guard initially, and later by the U.S. Navy. The U.S. Government operated 37 recruiting stations around the country. Many Navy and Coast Guard recruiters sent young men to the U.S. Maritime Service where the need was greater. All received gunnery training and many received commendations for bravery under fire. Maritime Service training included time at sea with danger from mines and enemy submarines.
