The service men and women whose branch of service had the highest casualty rate in World War II were honored by the Richard I. Bong World War II Heritage Center in Superior this week.
The center opened an exhibit to honor World War II Merchant Marine veterans during a private ceremony sponsored by the Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute.
The exhibit features a small collection of artifacts, medals and documents from the Merchant Marine service in the center's possession. The event also is a signal to veterans and the public that the center is seeking donations to build up its Merchant Marine collection, said Robert Fuhrman, Bong Center director.
The Center has a small collection of Merchant Marine artifacts donated by a handful of individuals, he said. "It's something that hasn't been real strong in the collection before."
At the reception, Floyd Miras, of the U.S. Maritime Administration, presented a slate of medals to a local veteran, Richard Bibby, who presented the medals to the Heritage Center. The set is a collection of medals awarded to those who served in the Merchant Marines and is on indefinite loan to the museum, Miras said.
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The set includes 10 medals that were specific to service during World War II.
The medals will join the center's collection of about 100 artifacts highlighting the Merchant Marine service and shipbuilding efforts, Fuhrman said.
The items include common items like a hat, a whistle and a clock, but they preserve a story of the sailor who saved them, he said.
The Heritage Center staff are happy to consider any artifacts from the Merchant Marines people are willing to donate, Hall said. Anyone with an artifact who's interested in donating may call the center at 392-7151 Thursday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to speak with curator Gina Sacchetti.
