Awards and decorations of the United States Merchant Marine

Awards and decorations of the United States Merchant Marine are civilian decorations of the United States which are issued to the members of the United States Merchant Marine for a variety of duties both in peace and war.

Originally authorized to be issued by the War Shipping Administration of the World War II era, these awards were later issued by the Maritime Commission and are currently issued by the Department of Transportation's Martitime Administration.

Merchant Marine are as follows: The Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal is awarded to U.S. merchant seamen who serve on U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving American and allied military forces.

The medal is not specific to a certain military operation or conflict, but the award citation would give such details.

It has also been presented to merchant mariners operating in support of naval operations with the United States Navy's Military Sealift Command, including cadet midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.