JS
Stanley didn't ask and doesn't need any help, thank you.
Stanley
-----Original Message-----
From: schalestock <schalestock@xxxxxxxx>
To: sparkscoffee <sparkscoffee@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Fri, Jul 31, 2015 6:00 pm
Subject: [sparkscoffee] Re: Everyone
Thanks DR but TMI! Really don't have much interest in this. Maybe it would help
Stanley though.
JS
---------- Original Message ----------
From: "D.J.J. Ring, Jr." <n1ea@xxxxxxxx>
To: sparkscoffee@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [sparkscoffee] Re: Everyone
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2015 20:38:55 -0400
It looks like full vets benefits just go to WW2 Merchant Vets - I do remember
that if you were in a War Zone during Desert Storm you got something.
Trouble is I forgot what you got, because I didn't get it. But here's the WW2
Merchant Info.
73
DR
http://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/docs/admin21/m21_1/mr/part3/subptiii/ch02/ch02_secF.doc
Section F. Merchant Marine Service Records
Overview
In this Section
This section contains the following topics:
Topic
Topic Name
See Page
36
General Information on Veteran Status Based on Merchant Marine Service
2-F-2
37
Information Required for a Claim
2-F-5
38
Merchant Marine Service Record Requests
2-F-8
39
Service Treatment Records (STRs) for Merchant Marine Service Under the
Jurisdiction of the Army or Navy
2-F-11
40
STRs for Merchant Marine Service Under the Jurisdiction of the Coast Guard
2-F-12
41
Merchant Marine Logbook Records
2-F-17
42
Records Available for Combat-Related Injuries
2-F-20
43
Records Available From the Marine Index Bureau, Inc. (MIB)
2-F-22
44
Addresses for National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Regional
Archives
2-F-24
45
Exhibit 1: Merchant Marine Service Development Letter for the Public Health
Service (PHS)
2-F-28
46
Exhibit 2: Marine Index Bureau Sample Pattern Letter to a Claimant
2-F-29
47
Exhibit 3: U.S. Army Transport Corps or Navy Transport Service Development
Letter
2-F-30
36. General Information on Veteran Status Based on Merchant Marine Service
Introduction
This topic contains general information on veteran status based on Merchant
Marine service, including
legislative background
benefits available for Merchant Marine service after August 15, 1945
who is eligible for Merchant Marine discharge certificates
applying for a DD Form 214, Certificate of Discharge or Release from Active
Duty, or a DD Form 1300, Report of Casualty, for Merchant Marine service, and
determining where to send DD Form 2168, Application for Discharge of Member or
Survivor of Member of Group Certified To Have Performed Active Duty with the
Armed Forces of the United States.
Change Date
August 13, 2009
a. Legislative Background
Public Law (PL) 95-202 acknowledged active duty service for certain World War
II (WWII) Merchant Marine seamen effective January 19, 1988.
b. Benefits Available for Merchant Marine Service After August 15, 1945
PL 105-368, Section 402, provides that the “qualified service” of certain
merchant mariners between August 16, 1945, and December 31, 1946, is deemed
active duty service for purposes of the following benefits:
burial flags
burial allowance for certain indigent wartime veterans
plot allowance payable to a State for a burial in certain “state-owned”
cemeteries or cemetery sections
headstones and markers
interment in national cemeteries, and
markers in memorial areas of national cemeteries
Important: Merchant Marine service after August 15, 1945, does not establish
eligibility for compensation and/or pension.
Continued on next page
36. General Information on Veteran Status Based on Merchant Marine Service ,
Continued
c. Who Is Eligible for Merchant Marine Discharge Certificates
Merchant Marine seamen, who served under the Coast Guard, Naval Transportation
Service, or Army Transportation Service in active, oceangoing service during
the period from December 7, 1941, to August 15, 1945, are eligible to receive
discharge certificates.
Each of these services will issue a DD Form 214, Certificate of Discharge or
Release from Active Duty, or a DD Form 1300, Report of Casualty, as applicable.
d. Applying for a DD Form 214 or DD Form 1300 for Merchant Marine Service
To apply for a DD Form 214 or DD Form 1300, a claimant must
complete and sign DD Form 2168, Application for Discharge of Member or Survivor
of Member of Group Certified To Have Performed Active Duty with the Armed
Forces of the United States, and
submit the DD Form 2168 to the appropriate service department.
Notes:
If the Merchant seaman is deceased, the applicant must submit a certificate of
death with the DD Form 2168.
An applicant must resubmit the DD Form 2168 and supporting documentation to
establish periods of duty other than those that are shown in Item 18, REMARKS,
on the DD Form 214.
e. Determining Where to Send DD Form 2168
Use the information below to determine where the claimant should send the DD
Form 2168.
If the alleged service was employment …
Then send the DD Form 2168 to the …
as a civil servant for the U.S. Army Transport Service, which was later
redesignated as the U.S. Army Transportation Corps, Water Division
Commander
U.S. Army Human Resources Command
ATTN: PSV-V
1 Reserve Way
St. Louis, MO 63132-5200
as a civil servant for the Naval Transportation Service
Naval Military Personnel Command
PERS-312
Millington, TN 38054-5045
Continued on next page
36. General Information on Veteran Status Based on Merchant Marine Service ,
Continued
e. Determining Where to Send DD Form 2168 (continued)
If the alleged service was employment …
Then send the DD Form 2168 to the …
with the
War Shipping Administration, or
Office of Defense Transportation or their agents, and
acknowledged by the U.S. Coast Guard or Department of Commerce, in a document
such as a Merchant Mariner's Document/Certificate of Service
Commanding Officer
U.S. Coast Guard – National Maritime Center
ATTN: Records Management Branch (NMC-41)
100 Forbes Drive
Martinsburg, WV 25404
Telephone number: (888) 427-5662
Reference: For more information about verification of maritime service through
the Coast Guard, see the National Maritime Center web site at
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/wwiimm.asp.
37. Information Required for a Claim
Introduction
This topic contains instruction regarding the information that is required for
a claim, including
the forms required for a Merchant Marine claim
the correct voyage entries and release dates on DD Form 214
the information required on the DD Form 1300
Merchant Marine claims establishment (CEST) processing
Veterans Assistance Discharge System (VADS) entries, and
Coast Guard certification of certain Merchant Marine service.
Change Date
August 13, 2009
a. Forms Required for a Merchant Marine Claim
Notify the claimant that benefits may not be paid without verified service.
If there is a Veterans Assistance Discharge System (VADS) record or other
evidence of merchant service, request a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or
Discharge From Active Duty, or DD Form 1300, Report of Casualty, and assist the
claimant with development of the claim pending receipt of verified honorable
service.
If there is no evidence of merchant service, inform the claimant that the VA
cannot initiate development until a DD Form 214 or DD Form 1300 or other
evidence of merchant service is received.
b. Correct Voyage Entries and Release Dates on DD Form 214
The DD Form 214 issued should show the
entered on date (EOD) as December 7, 1941, or the date of the earliest voyage,
and
released from active duty (RAD) as the date of completion of the last voyage or
August 15, 1945.
Notes:
The actual voyages and inclusive dates of each voyage will be shown in the
REMARKS block, Item 18 of the DD Form 214. If all of the voyages cannot be
entered in REMARKS, an attachment sheet will be provided.
For computation of service, only the actual dates of each voyage are considered
as qualifying active duty for VA purposes.
Do not use the information provided in Item 12 (RECORD OF SERVICE) to determine
an applicant's entitlement to VA benefits.
Continued on next page
37. Information Required for a Claim , Continued
c. Information Required on the DD Form 1300
If the death of a Merchant Marine seaman occurred during service, DD Form 1300,
Report of Casualty, was issued in lieu of DD Form 214.
The DD Form 1300 should show the equivalent military pay grade. If the pay
grade information is not provided, request pay grade verification by following
the instructions in M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.J.74.
d. Merchant Marine CEST Processing
During claims establishment (CEST) processing, update the corporate record by
entering the beginning and ending dates of the three earliest voyages.
If the three earliest voyages do not satisfy the minimum 90-day active duty
requirement for pension, enter the three longest voyages.
e. VADS Entries
The VADS unit at the Austin Data Processing Center enters "DEV" as the
separation reason into corporate record to suppress a package of applications,
which is sent to recently discharged veterans.
If "SAT" is shown in Item 26, Separation Code, on the DD Form 214, update the
corporate record to reflect the correct entry. Do not submit a request to
clarify this discrepancy, since all are considered satisfactory service (SAT).
Reference: For more information on the VADS data format field in the corporate
record, see the Share User Guide.
Continued on next page
37. Information Required for a Claim , Continued
f. Coast Guard Certification of Certain Merchant Marine Service
The Coast Guard will certify 90 days of service in certain cases, without
providing specific periods of service, if there is proof of sailing on
oceangoing vessels, but the records of vessels or dates of voyages are
incomplete due to the capacity served, such as Captain or Coast Pilot.
The DD Form 214 issued should show the
entered on date (EOD) as December 7, 1941, or the date of the earliest voyage,
and
released from active duty (RAD) as the date of completion of the last voyage or
August 15, 1945.
The following statements must be shown on the DD Form 214 in Item 18, REMARKS:
“The above individual falls into a special class of World War II merchant
mariners. The complete sea service records for these individuals, which
indicate specific sailing dates and vessel names, cannot be located due to
their no longer being in the Federal records system; were lost with the ship;
or the individual served aboard the ship in a capacity for which official
records were not kept.”
“Based on the information available, the Coast Guard certifies that the above
individual has at least 90 days of service aboard oceangoing vessels during the
period between 7 December 1941 and 15 August 1945.”
Notes:
The actual voyages and inclusive dates of each voyage will be shown in the
REMARKS block, Item 18. If all of the voyages cannot be entered in the REMARKS
block, an attachment sheet to the DD Form 214 will be provided.
For computation of service, only the actual dates of each voyage are considered
as qualifying active duty for VA purposes.
Do not use the information provided in Item 12 (RECORD OF SERVICE) to determine
an applicant's entitlement to VA benefits.
Enter the earlier of
the date released from active duty (RAD)
August 15, 1945, or
the date of death, if earlier.
38. Merchant Marine Service Record Requests
Introduction
This topic contains information on Merchant Marine service record requests,
including
the problems associated with Merchant Marine service treatment records (STRs)
determining continuity of treatment
information required when requesting Merchant Marine service records
requesting records for U.S. Maritime Service, and
requesting prisoner of war (POW) records for Merchant Mariners.
Change Date
August 13, 2009
a. Problems Associated With Merchant Marine STRs
Merchant Marine STRs
are difficult to obtain, and
may not be as detailed or as complete as those VA has historically received
from the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy.
Reference: For more information on obtaining Merchant Marine service records,
see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.J.74.
b. Determining Continuity of Treatment
If a disability compensation claim is filed
ask the claimant to provide evidence of continuity of treatment for the claimed
conditions from date of separation to present, and
advise the claimant
that difficulty may be encountered in obtaining STRs
to provide as detailed information as possible, and
that the disabilities claimed must have occurred during actual voyages, not
merely while attached to a vessel.
Continued on next page
38. Merchant Marine Service Record Requests , Continued
c. Information Required when Requesting Merchant Marine Service Records
When requesting medical records, pay grade data, or other records
send a copy of the DD Form 214 with the request, or
include the following information from the DD Form 214 REMARKS:
the identification number of the vessel
the name of the vessel
the veteran’s SSN (not included in death cases)
the Z number, if available, and
the veteran’s date of birth.
Notes:
The names of vessels may not be sufficient for identification of service
records, since the names of the vessels could have been changed. However, the
identification numbers were always retained.
The Z number was a number assigned to Merchant Marine seamen that is comparable
to a service number.
Reference: For more information on the address codes for Merchant Marine
service records, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.J.74.
d. Requesting Records for U.S. Maritime Service
The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) (address code 13) has records of
Merchant Marine seamen trained by the U.S. Maritime Service.
Request these records through the Personnel Information Exchange System (PIES),
using the Army branch tab. The following information must be provided in the
request:
the name used by the veteran during training
DOB, and
SSN.
Continued on next page
38. Merchant Marine Service Record Requests , Continued
e. Requesting POW Records for Merchant Mariners
Time spent as a former prisoner of war (POW) does count as qualifying service
for Merchant Marine seamen. The Coast Guard (address code 52) has most of the
names of those who were held captive. The names were obtained from a list
compiled by the Coast Guard and the Department of Defense (DoD) in 1950.
Notes:
If verified POW dates are available, they should be listed in the REMARKS block
of the DD Form 214, above the actual voyages/dates of each voyage.
For POW records, the RAD date on the DD Form 214 can be later than August 15,
1945. If the veteran was captured, the period of qualifying service is from the
beginning date of the voyage during which the veteran was captured to the date
the veteran was repatriated.
Example: John Smith served on the ship, Ft. Benjamin Harrison. The voyage began
December 7, 1941, and the crew was captured and held until September 13, 1945.
Mr. Smith was repatriated on September 13, 1945. His service from December 7,
1941, to September 13, 1945, is considered one period of qualifying service.
39. Service Treatment Records (STRs) for Merchant Marine Service Under the
Jurisdiction of the Army or Navy
Introduction
This topic contains information on STRs for Merchant Marine service under the
jurisdiction of the Army or Navy, including
the type of Merchant Marine service under the Army or Navy, and
how to obtain STRs for service under the Army or Navy.
Change Date
August 13, 2009
a. Type of Merchant Marine Service Under the Army or Navy
A small number of Merchant Marine seamen served as civil servants employed by
the U.S. Army Transport Service, later designated the U.S. Army Transportation
Corps, Water Division, or the Naval Transportation Service.
b. How to Obtain STRs for Service Under the Army or Navy
For service under the Army or Navy, the Merchant Marine seaman’s STRs are
located at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), Civilian Personnel
Records.
Obtain the medical records using the letter in M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii,
2.F.47 for Merchant Marine seamen whose service was documented by the Army or
Navy.
Note: It is unlikely that the Public Health Service (PHS) will have any medical
records for Merchant Marine seamen who served under the jurisdiction of the
Army or Navy.
40. STRs for Merchant Marine Service Under the Jurisdiction of the Coast Guard
Introduction
This topic contains information on Coast Guard records for Merchant Marine
service, including
more information on locating Merchant Marine STRs
the availability of STRs for Merchant Mariners
requesting STRs from the PHS
how to make the request to the PHS
the action a regional office (RO) should take if it is unable to provide
required information to the PHS
locating records of military or overseas treatment for Merchant Mariners, and
information concerning treatment of Merchant Mariners onboard ship.
Change Date
August 13, 2009
a. More Information on Locating Merchant Marine STRs
For more information on locating Merchant Marine STRs, see M21-1MR, Part III,
Subpart iii, 2.F.39.
b. Availability of STRs for Merchant Mariners
It is not possible to request STRs for Merchant Mariners who served under the
jurisdiction of the Coast Guard, as these seamen do not have a medical file as
such.
However, these seamen were eligible to receive medical treatment at PHS
hospitals, and the PHS does have microfilm copies of certain medical records.
Continued on next page
40. STRs for Merchant Marine Service Under the Jurisdiction of the Coast Guard
, Continued
c. Requesting STRs From the PHS
If the claimant alleges treatment at a PHS hospital and the claimant can
furnish the minimum information as required below, send a request to the PHS.
For the PHS to conduct a search, the request
must include
the veteran's full name and any aliases
the veteran’s DOB
the location (state, at a minimum) of the clinic(s)/hospital(s) where the
veteran was treated, and
the month and year of treatment (provide at least the decade), and
should include, if available
the veteran’s SSN and/or Z number, which is comparable to a service number, and
any other identifying information.
Important: Do not send a request to the PHS if the veteran
is unable to furnish the minimum required information, or
did not claim treatment at a PHS facility.
Note: The PHS must search reels of microfilm to find treatment records.
Therefore, the more specific information furnished, the greater the likelihood
the desired records will be located.
Continued on next page
40. STRs for Merchant Marine Service Under the Jurisdiction of the Coast Guard
, Continued
d. How to Make the Request to the PHS
Prepare a request using the letter found in M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii,
2.F.45
providing the information listed in M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.F.40.c,
and
attaching a VA Form 21-4142, Authorization and Consent to Release Information
to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Send the request to:
Medical Records
Health Data Center
Hansen's Disease Programs
1770 Physicians Park Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Note: Telephone 1-800-642-2477 or (225) 756-3773 if priority/expedited
assistance is required.
Important: All correspondence should include the name and telephone number of
the requester.
e. Action to Take if Unable to Provide Required Information to PHS
If the information required to submit a request to PHS is not available, review
M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.F.41 and 42 to determine if there is any
possibility that records may be available from National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA) or the Office of Maritime Labor and Training.
Once all possible sources for records have been queried, route the claim to the
rating activity for final rating action.
Notes:
The rating decision must outline the efforts made to obtain the records.
The letter to the claimant must explain that a search cannot be conducted for
medical records without the minimum required information outlined in M21-1MR,
Part III, Subpart iii, 2.F.40.c.
Continued on next page
40. STRs for Merchant Marine Service Under the Jurisdiction of the Coast Guard
, Continued
f. Locating Records of Military or Overseas Treatment for Merchant Mariners
The PHS does not possess records for veterans who were treated at military or
other facilities overseas.
Use the table below to determine how to obtain medical records if the claimant
alleges overseas treatment.
If …
Then …
a claimant alleges overseas treatment
obtain as much identifying information about the treatment facility as possible
from the claimant, such as the
complete name, address, location, and nation administering the facility
date(s) of treatment, and
conditions treated.
write to the facility, enclosing a release of information form (VA Form
21-4142) signed by the claimant, explaining what is needed and why.
the treatment facility is located in the U.S.
send a PIES request to NPRC asking for clinical records, using request code C01.
Reference: For information on preparing PIES requests for service records, see
M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.D.
g. Information Concerning Treatment of Merchant Mariners Onboard Ship
The PHS does not possess records of medical treatment furnished onboard a ship.
If the claimant alleges treatment for injury or illness onboard ship, logbook
development may be appropriate.
Reference: For more information on logbook development, see M21-1MR, Part III,
Subpart iii, 2.F.41.
Continued on next page
40. STRs for Merchant Marine Service Under the Jurisdiction of the Coast Guard
, Continued
h. PHS Records for Merchant Marine Treatment More Than 50 Years Ago
The PHS destroys treatment records after 50 years from the date of treatment
for merchant mariners serving under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard. Most
merchant mariners who served during WWII are affected by this policy.
However, documentation of the date and treatment was recorded on index cards
that are stored indefinitely. If a merchant mariner served under the
jurisdiction of the Coast Guard and that service was more than 50 years ago,
the index cards may be the only available records.
After initiating the routine development as described in M21-1MR, Part III,
Subpart iii, 2.F.40.c, if the claimed treatment was more than 50 years ago,
send a copy of the request to the National Maritime Center. Ask for any
treatment records or copies of treatment index cards if the treatment records
were destroyed.
Reference: For the address of the National Maritime Center, see the table in
M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.F.36.e.
41. Merchant Marine Logbook Records
Introduction
This topic contains information on Merchant Marine logbook records, including
the purpose of logbook records
the effects of privacy restrictions
obtaining information on shipboard injuries
the information to include in requests to the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA)
NARA information furnished to claimants, and
the records available
for vessels with foreign registration, and
from the U.S. Army Transportation Corps or Naval Transportation Service.
Change Date
August 13, 2009
a. Purpose of Logbook Records
Captains of Merchant Marine vessels employed by the Coast Guard maintained
daily logbooks. The logbooks are now in the possession of National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA) regional archives.
These logbooks are not the traditional ships’ logs often referred to as “deck
logs,” in which masters recorded the daily entries that concerned the position
and operation of the ship.
The logbooks in the NARA regional archives were issued to masters of vessels in
accordance with Federal laws and regulations passed to protect the health and
welfare of Merchant Marine seamen. Entries were required to record offenses and
desertions punishable by forfeiture of wages, and injuries or illnesses of
crewmembers.
b. Effects of Privacy Restrictions
Since logbooks contain information relating to many individuals that may be of
a personal nature, they are subject to privacy restrictions. Therefore, entries
that relate to medical or disciplinary matters concerning individuals other
than the subject of the inquiry may be deleted by NARA.
Continued on next page
41. Merchant Marine Logbook Records , Continued
c. Obtaining Information on Shipboard Injuries
Logbooks may contain entries pertaining to injuries suffered by Merchant Marine
seamen.
If a claimant alleges an injury or illness that occurred onboard ship, send a
letter to the National Archives requesting a logbook search for evidence of the
illness or injury. No release of information authorization is required.
d. Information to Include in Requests to NARA
Letters to NARA requesting logbook searches for evidence should be accompanied
by a photocopy of the veteran's DD Form 214 and should include the following
information:
the full name
under which the veteran served, and
of the vessel on which the incident occurred
the name of the port where the voyage ended, and
the approximate dates of the voyage (month and year).
Note: If the voyage started at one port and ended at different port, write to
the NARA regional archives for the port where the voyage ended.
Reference: For information about the addresses of the NARA regional archives,
see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.F.44.
e. NARA Information Furnished to Claimants
NARA will furnish individual Merchant Marine seamen or their surviving
dependents with one set of copies, free of charge, of the logbook entries
needed to verify the seaman's service in the Merchant Marine between December
7, 1941, and August 15, 1945.
Claimants should state in their requests that the information sought is needed
to obtain financial benefits from VA.
Note: NARA requires reimbursement for
extra copies of logbook pages, as well as copies of logbook materials not
needed to verify service in the Merchant Marine during WWII, and
copies of entire logbooks.
Continued on next page
41. Merchant Marine Logbook Records , Continued
f. Records Available for Vessels With Foreign Registration
Logbook records are not available for vessels registered in foreign countries,
such as Panama.
Notes:
These vessels were not required to maintain and turn in logbooks, even if the
vessel was owned by a United States company and operated under War Shipping
Administration control.
Neither the Coast Guard nor the National Archives are able to provide crew
lists for such vessels.
g. Records Available From U.S. Army Transportation Corps or Naval
Transportation Service
Logbooks are not available for Merchant Marine seamen who were employed by the
U.S. Army Transportation Corps or the Naval Transportation Service.
Reference: For more information on obtaining medical evidence for claimants who
were employed by the U.S. Army Transportation Corps or the Naval Transportation
Service, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.F.47.
42. Records Available for Combat-Related Injuries
Introduction
This topic contains information on records available to confirm the incurrence
of combat-related injuries, including
obtaining information on combat-related injuries
records maintained at the Office of Maritime Labor and Training
information about the Mariners Medal
where to send requests for combat-related maritime injuries, and
information to include in requests to the Maritime Administration.
Change Date
August 13, 2009
a. Obtaining Information on Combat-Related Injuries
Logbooks in the regional archives do not usually contain descriptions of
wartime actions in which the vessel was involved.
Note: If a claimant alleges a combat-related injury, write to the Office of
Maritime Labor and Training before initiating logbook development with NARA.
Reference: For more information on obtaining information from the Office of
Maritime Labor and Training, see
M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.F.42.d, and
M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.F.42.e.
b. Records Maintained at the Office of Maritime Labor and Training
The Department of Transportation Office of Maritime Labor and Training
maintains records of citations and medals issued to WW II Merchant Marine
seamen.
c. Information About the Mariners Medal
The Mariners Medal that was authorized for combat-related injuries, similar to
the Purple Heart, may be of interest to VA. Since the medal was only authorized
for combat-related injuries, evidence of award of the medal might be used as
supporting evidence of a claimed service-connected injury.
If the veteran did receive a medal, a copy of the citation should be of record
and will contain details of the incident.
Continued on next page
42. Records Available for Combat-Related Injuries , Continued
d. Where to Send Requests for Combat-Related Maritime Injuries
If a claimant alleges a combat-related injury that cannot otherwise be
documented, send a letter to the Office of Maritime Labor and Training at the
address shown below, requesting a review of folders for evidence that the
veteran received a medal.
Address:
Office of Maritime Labor and Training
Maritime Administration
Room 7302 (MAR 250)
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC 20590
Note: No release of information authorization is required.
e. Information to Include in Requests to the Maritime Administration
A photocopy of the veteran’s DD Form 214 should accompany requests to the
Office of Maritime Labor and Training. The following information should be
provided if not shown on the DD Form 214:
the name under which the veteran served
the veteran's Z number, and
the veteran's home address while serving during WWII (city and state).
43. Records Available From the Marine Index Bureau, Inc. (MIB)
Introduction
This topic contains information on the records available from the Marine Index
Bureau, Inc. (MIB), including
types of records available at the Marine Index Bureau (MIB)
who may request MIB records
MIB fees
the information required for an MIB request
the address for the MIB, and
notifying the claimant of MIB records.
Change Date
August 13, 2009
a. Types of Records Available at the MIB
Some Merchant Marine records may be obtained from the Marine Index Bureau, Inc.
(MIB), a private agency.
b. Who May Request MIB Records
The claimant must request the records directly from MIB.
Regional offices (ROs) should not send requests directly to MIB.
c. MIB Fees
The MIB charges a fee of $25.00 for making the records search and the fee must
be paid by the claimant.
Important: MIB cannot guarantee that records on file at the bureau will be
acceptable to VA as proof of eligibility for VA benefits, nor that any records
pertaining to the veteran's wartime service are actually on file.
Continued on next page
43. Records Available From the Marine Index Bureau, Inc. (MIB) , Continued
d. Information Required for an MIB Request
The claimant should contact the MIB directly and request the forms for
documentation of sea service that may be on file at the MIB.
The claimant will need to provide:
the veteran’s complete name
DOB
place of birth
SSN
Z or Book (Bk) number
current mailing address, and
any known mailing addresses during the period 1941 to 1946.
e. Address for the MIB
Claimants must send requests for information from MIB to the following address:
Marine Index Bureau, Inc.
67 Scotch Rd.
Ewing, NJ 08628.
f. Notifying the Claimant of MIB Records
If all other development has failed to produce records in support of the claim,
send a denial letter that
incorporates the language of M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.F.46, and
advises the claimant that the claim may be reopened if the MIB search proves
successful.
44. Addresses for National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Regional
Archives
Introduction
This topic contains information on the addresses of the NARA regional archives,
including
logbooks contained at NARA regional archives
logbooks available and addresses for NARA
New England Region
Northeast Region
Mid-Atlantic Region
Southeast Region
Southwest Region
Pacific Southwest Region
Pacific Sierra Region, and
Pacific Northwest Region
Change Date
August 13, 2009
a. Logbooks Contained at NARA Regional Archives
NARA regional archives have logbooks only for individuals whose service was
documented by the U.S. Coast Guard or the Department of Commerce.
Important: The NARA regional archives do not have logbooks for individuals who
served with the U.S. Army Transportation Corps or the Naval Transportation
Service.
b. Logbooks Available and Addresses for NARA, New England Region
NARA, New England Region, maintains custody of logbooks of vessels with voyages
ending in
Port of Arrival
Address
Boston, MA, from 1942 through 1953
Portsmouth, NH, from 1942 through 1955
Portland, ME, from 1941 through 1955, and
Providence, RI, from 1941 through 1953
National Archives
New England Region
380 Trapelo Rd.
Waltham, MA 02154
Continued on next page
44. Addresses for National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Regional
Archives , Continued
c. Logbooks Available and Addresses for NARA, Northeast Region
NARA, Northeast Region, maintains custody of logbooks of vessels with voyages
ending in
Port of Arrival
Address
New York, N.Y., from 1942 through 1960
National Archives
Northeast Region
Building 22, Military Ocean Terminal
Bayonne, NJ 07002-5388
Important: Before submitting a request for information from NARA, Northeast
Region, obtain the year and logbook number from the U.S. Coast Guard, Marine
Inspection Office. This office maintains a card index arranged alphabetically
by name of vessel.
Address:
U.S. Coast Guard
Marine Inspection Office
Investigation Section
Room 312
Battery Park Building
New York, N.Y. 10004-1466
d. Logbooks Available and Addresses for NARA, Mid-Atlantic Region
NARA, Mid-Atlantic Region, maintains custody of logbooks of vessels with
voyages ending in the ports of
Port of Arrival
Address
Philadelphia, PA, from 1942 through 1956
Baltimore, MD, from 1942 through 1957, and
Norfolk, VA, from 1940 through 1955
National Archives
Mid-Atlantic Region
9th and Market Streets, Room 1350
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Continued on next page
44. Addresses for National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Regional
Archives , Continued
e. Logbooks Available and Addresses for NARA, Southeast Region
NARA, Southeast Region, maintains custody of logbooks of vessels with voyages
ending in the ports of
Port of Arrival
Address
Savannah, GA, from 1941 through 1953
Tampa, FL, from 1942 through 1951
Miami, FL, from 1943 through 1956
Charleston, SC, from 1919 through 1958, and
Jacksonville, FL, from 1943 through 1951
National Archives
Southeast Region
1557 St. Joseph Avenue
East Point, GA 30344
f. Logbooks Available and Addresses for NARA, Southwest Region
NARA, Southwest Region, maintains custody of logbooks of vessels with voyages
ending in the ports of
Port of Arrival
Address
Houston, TX, from 1942 through 1973
New Orleans, LA, from 1942 through 1976
Corpus Christi, TX, from 1943 through 1972
Galveston, TX, from 1941 through 1974
Mobile, AL, from 1942 through 1956, and
Port Arthur, TX, from 1939 through 1970
National Archives
Southwest Region
P.O. Box 6216
Fort Worth, TX 76115
Continued on next page
44. Addresses for National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Regional
Archives , Continued
g. Logbooks Available and Addresses for NARA, Pacific Southwest Region
NARA, Pacific Southwest Region, maintains custody of logbooks of vessels with
voyages ending in the ports of
Port of Arrival
Address
Los Angeles, CA, from 1941 through 1956, and
Wilmington, Long Beach, San Pedro, Port San Luis, and Port Hueneme, CA, from
1942 through 1954
National Archives
Pacific Southwest Region
P.O. Box 6719
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677-6719
h. Logbooks Available and Addresses for NARA, Pacific Sierra Region
NARA, Pacific Sierra Region, maintains custody of logbooks of vessels with
voyages ending in
Port of Arrival
Address
San Francisco, CA, from 1927 through 1957
National Archives
Pacific Sierra Region
1000 Commodore Drive
San Bruno, CA 94066
i. Logbooks Available and Addresses for NARA, Pacific Northwest Region
NARA, Pacific Northwest Region, maintains custody of logbooks of vessels with
voyages ending in the ports of
Port of Arrival
Address
Seattle, WA, from 1940 through 1958, and
Portland, OR, from 1942 through 1958.
National Archives
Pacific Northwest Region
6125 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
45. Exhibit 1: Merchant Marine Service Development Letter for Public Health
Service (PHS)
Introduction
This topic contains a Merchant Marine Service development letter for the Public
Health Service (PHS).
Change Date
December 13, 2005
a. Merchant Marine Service Development Letter for PHS
A Merchant Marine Service development letter for the Public Health Service
(PHS) is below.
Medical Records
Public Health Service
Health Data Center
Hansen’s Disease Center
1770 Physician’s Park Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
SUBJ: Merchant Marine medical treatment records
We are attempting to locate all medical records for the following veteran:
NAME (required)
SSN (if known)
DATE OF BIRTH (required)
WHERE THE VETERAN WAS TREATED BY THE USPHS (at least the state)
MONTH AND YEAR OF TREATMENT (at least the decade)
VETERAN’S Z NUMBER (if available)
OTHER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION:
The veteran has filed a claim for VA compensation benefits based on World War
II service as a
Merchant Marine. To process this claim, we need all available medical treatment
records for that service.
We have enclosed VA Form 21-4142, “Authorization and Consent to Release
Information to the
Department of Veterans Affairs,” and an additional copy of this letter for you
to attach to your response so that we can quickly associate the reply with our
records for this veteran. If you have any questions about this claim, please
contact _________________________ at telephone number _____________________.
Your assistance in resolving this claim is very much appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Veterans Service Center Manager
Enclosures
46. Exhibit 2: Marine Index Bureau Sample Pattern Letter to a Claimant
Introduction
This topic contains a sample of a Marine Index Bureau letter to a claimant.
Change Date
December 13, 2005
a. Sample of a Marine Index Bureau Letter to a Claimant
A sample of a Marine Index Bureau letter to a claimant is shown below.
Mr. John Burns
1234 Independence Avenue
Washington, DC 12345
Dear Mr. Burns:
A private agency, MIB (Marine Index Bureau, Inc.), may have records on file
pertaining to the veteran’s sea service as a U.S. Merchant Marine during World
War II. You should be aware that there is no guarantee records in the MIB
folders will be acceptable to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as proof
of eligibility for VA benefits. There is also no guarantee that MIB has any
records pertaining to your (the veteran's) wartime service.
If you wish to request a search of the MIB file system, you should make such a
request directly to this agency. There is a fee of $25 for this search, which
must be paid by you. Submit a check or money order drawn to Marine Index
Bureau, Inc., with your request. Send your request to: Marine Index Bureau,
Inc., 67 Scotch Rd., Ewing, NJ 08628.
When submitting your request, you must provide: your (the veteran's) complete
name, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security number, Z or Bk number,
current mailing address, and any known mailing addresses during the period 1941
to 1946. You must also certify that you are requesting only your own (the
veteran's) records, and that they will be used to make application for veterans
benefits and for no other purpose.
Upon receipt of your request, along with any information needed to enable MIB
to conduct its search, the MIB will perform a search of its record system for
any reports concerning service during the World War II period. A document
containing the results of the search will then be sent to you.
Sincerely yours,
Veterans Service Center Manager
47. Exhibit 3: U.S. Army Transport Corps or Navy Transport Service Development
Letter
Introduction
This topic contains a development letter for the U.S. Army Transport Corps or
Navy Transport Service.
Change Date
August 13, 2009
a. U.S. Army Transport Corps or Navy Transport Service Development Letter
A development letter for the U.S. Army Transport Corps or Navy Transport
Service is shown below.
National Personnel Records Center
Civilian Personnel Records
111 Winnebago St
St. Louis, MO 63118
Dear Sir or Madam:
We are attempting to locate medical records for the following veteran:
NAME:
SSN:
ORGANIZATION:
DATES OF SERVICE:
OTHER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION:
Mr. _____________ has filed a claim for VA disability compensation based on
World War II service as a Merchant Marine. To process this claim, we need all
available medical treatment records for that service.
Please send copies of any available medical treatment records to the VA
Regional Office at the following address:
If you have questions about this claim, please contact _________________ at
telephone
number _________________.
Your assistance in resolving this claim is very much appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Veterans Service Center Manager
