Smucker Joins Lititz Area Veteran for Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony

Washington, D.C.-Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) joined veteran William Balabanow of Lititz, Pennsylvania at a ceremony recognizing veterans of the United States Merchant Mariners for their service during World War II (WWII). Mr. Balabanow was one of 10 veterans who received the Congressional Gold Medal at the U.S. Capitol on behalf of the approximately 1,500 remaining Merchant Mariners of WWII.

In 2020, Congress unanimously passed the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Actto honor their service. The bill was promptly signed into law though the official award was delayed due to the global pandemic.

"It was an honor to join Mr. Balabanow and his fellow veterans as Congress expressed its sincere appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the Merchant Mariners of World War II. We thank them for all their actions in supporting our nation's victory. I want to thank Mr. Balabanow for his service to our nation and advocacy on behalf of his fellow Merchant Mariners. He is truly representative of our nation's greatest generation and has earned our nation's unending gratitude for his service," said Smucker.

ABOUT THE WORLD WAR II MERCHANT MARINERS:

• There were 243,000 mariners that served in the war. 9,521 perished while serving.
• Roughly four percent of those who served were killed, a higher casualty rate than that of any of the American military services during World War II.
• Merchant Mariners experienced some of the earliest action of the war due to German submarines attacking British merchant ships in the Atlantic, disrupting supply chains to America's allies.
• These mariners were not provided veteran status until 1988.