SS CAPE ANN

For actions on July 25, 1956

Gallant Ship Award citation:

Responding unhesitatingly to an SOS from the sinking ANDREA DORIA off Nantucket Island in the North Atlantic on the night of July 25, 1956, the CAPE ANN raced fifteen miles through dangerously thick fog to the...

SS Adoniram Judson

For actions on October 24 – 29 1944

Gallant Ship Award Citation:

In October 1944, the SS ADONIRAM JUDSON, first United States merchant ship to dock at Tacloban, Island of Leyte, during the initial invasion of the Philippines, provided the principal air cover for the landing...

SS STEPHEN HOPKINS

For actions on September 27, 1942

Gallant Ship Award Citation:

Two enemy raiders suddenly appeared out of the morning mist to attack her. Heavy guns of one raider pounded her hull, and machine gun fire from the other sprayed her decks at close quarters. The lightly armored...

SS VIRGINIA DARE

For actions on September 9 – 21, 1942.

Gallant Ship Award Citation:

For seventeen days SS VIRGINIA DARE, loaded with high explosives, was en route to and in a north Russian port where her vital cargo was discharged, throughout this period she repelled countless enemy bomb...

SS PRESIDENT WILSON

For actions on February 3, 1964

Gallant Ship Award citation:

“Responding to a distress call from the Liberian Vessel AGIA ERINI L., foundering and breaking up in heavy seas, the PRESIDENT WILSON changed course and raced to her aid. Early in the morning...

MV WESTERN PIONEER

For actions on August 25, 1959

Gallant Ship Award citation:

“Responding to a distress call from the Canadian fishing ship, QUEEN KATHLEEN, grounded and breaking up on the rocks of Cape Lutke, Alaska, on August 26, 1959, the WESTERN PIONEER raced forty-five...

First African-American Graduate of U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

The first African-American Graduate of U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Joseph B. Williams Sr., was born in Annapolis, Md. He graduated from Hampton Institute in 1942 and from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1944. He served in the Navy during World War II and again...

SS ÎLE DE FRANCE

For actions on July 26, 1956 Gallant Ship Award citation:

“Responding unhesitatingly to an SOS from the sinking ANDREA DORIA off Nantucket Island in the North Atlantic on the night of July 25, 1956, the ÎLE de FRANCE altered course and raced from many miles...

SS CEDAR MILLS

For actions on December 1, 1943.

Gallant Ship Award Citation:

In December 1943, SS CEDAR MILLS and her French destroyer escort were caught in a violent cyclone and became widely separated. The destroyer, short of fuel and unable to maneuver, was in a sinking condition...

SS NATHANAEL GREENE

For actions on September 12, 1942

Gallant Ship Award Citation:

During a long voyage to north Russia, SS NATHANAEL GREENE was under incessant and violent attack by enemy planes and submarines. In most gallant fashion, and in spite of many crew casualties, she consistently...