Of more than 8,300 mariners killed, 85% were listed as "Missing in Action."

Merchant Marine Casualties

Mariners suffered the highest casualty rate of any service during World War II. Over 1,500 merchant ships were sunk.

1 in 26 Mariners killed
1 in 34 Marine Corps killed
1 in 48 Army killed
1 in 114 Navy killed
1 in 421 Coast Guard killed

The U.S. provided a $5,000 life insurance policy for mariners -- with many exceptions -- while Army and Navy men were worth $10,000, with continued benefits to widows and orphans.

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