Distinguished Midshipmen
The Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal is the highest award which can be bestowed upon members of the United States Merchant Marine and is the service’s equivalent of the Medal of Honor. Since mariners serving in the U.S. Merchant Marine are not employed by the Department of Defense they are not eligible for the Medal of Honor.
Since USMMA opened in 1943 eight cadet/midshipmen have been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
- Midshipman Francis A. Dales
- Midshipman Elmer C. Donnelly
- Midshipman Carl M. Medved – Awarded posthumously
- Midshipman Edwin Joseph O'Hara – Awarded posthumously
- Midshipman Walter G. Sittmann
- Midshipman William M. Thomas, Jr.
- Midshipman Phil Cox Vannais
- Midshipman Frederick R. Zito
Read more about this topic: United States Merchant Marine Academy