Merchant Marines crewed civilian-owned ships which is why they can not get veteran recognition. Even though these ships often had U.S. Navy people to man the guns for protection.
Mark Gleeson, 85, grew up in Ford City and turned 18 in May 1945. Germany had surrendered and preparations were being made for the invasion of Japan. he and 4-5 classmates signed up for the Merchant Marine.
They started training in New York City at Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn, but was not assigned to sea duty until after Japan had surrendered..
--GreGen
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) My all-time favorite warship. As an elementary school student in North Carolina, I donated nickels and dimes to save this ship back in the early sixties.
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