# Plain Language Summary of H.R. 104

Back in 2020, Congress authorized a special Congressional Gold Medal to honor American merchant mariners who served during World War II. These were the civilian sailors who worked on cargo and supply ships during the war, often facing dangerous conditions and enemy attacks. This new bill is about making sure that everyone who qualifies actually gets one of these medals.

The problem the bill addresses is straightforward: some eligible merchant mariners may have missed out on receiving their medal or may have lost theirs over the years. The bill gives the Maritime Administrator (a government official who oversees maritime affairs) permission to use existing government funds to purchase duplicate medals and send them to any World War II merchant mariners who apply for one. So if you were a merchant mariner during that era and never received your medal, or if yours was damaged or lost, you can now submit an application to get a replacement.

To qualify, you need to have served on a U.S. merchant marine vessel between December 7, 1941 (when the U.S. entered World War II) and December 31, 1946. Your ship had to be operated by the government or under government contract, sailed in ocean waters (not just lakes or harbors), and you had to be properly licensed as a crew member. If you meet these requirements, you can apply through the Maritime Administration to receive your medal. This is essentially a recognition program ensuring that these aging veterans get the honor they earned during the war, even if they missed the original distribution.

To authorize the Maritime Administrator to use certain appropriated funds to purchase duplicate medals authorized under Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020, and for other purposes.

Garamendi, John

 <p>This bill authorizes the Maritime Administrator of the Department of Transportation to purchase duplicate medals for U.S. merchant mariners who engaged in qualified service during World War II. To be eligible, a merchant mariner must submit an application to the Maritime Administrator. The bill sets forth what constitutes qualified service, including time frame of service and licensing requirements.</p>