August Wallenhaupt lost 8 fingers and both legs as sole survivor of Arctic torpedoing. He was entitled to only 60 days medical care.

No Benefits for Mariners

Seamen's Bill of Rights, offering loans, education and disability benefits, was introduced in Congress in 1945 and 1947, but was not enacted.

• Maximum $5,000 (2.5 years pay) for totally disabled mariners
• 60 days medical benefits for service-connected injuries
• No unemployment pay
• Low priority for jobs
• No free college or vocational training
• No low-interest home loans
• Low priority for business loans
• Not permitted at Post Exchange (PX)
• Low priority for purchase of surplus government equipment

 

 

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