World War II Merchant Marine Congressional Gold Medal Replica Presentation
Recognizing that several World War II Merchant Marine Veterans did not have the opportunity to be publicly honored for their Congressional Gold Medals due to COVID-19, we want to ensure that such veterans receive the honor and recognition that their service and dedication to our country deserves. As such, we hosted a recognition ceremony as part of the Maritime Security Conference program in 2023. During this ceremony, World War II Merchant Marine Veterans were publicly presented with their Congressional Gold Medal Replicas by U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler (NY-12) and MARAD Administrator Ann Phillips.
If you know of any New York Mariners who did not receive public recognition for their Congressional Gold Medals, please contact us ahead of NYMSC 2024.
Recipients
CAPT Hugh M. Stephens, CSP(ret), PE, BPS
Licenses & Certifications: Ordinary Seaman in WWII to Unlimited Master & First Class Pilot, Certified Safety Professional, Professional Engineer, Bachelor of Professional Studies.
Seagoing: Master and Captain Supply Boats, Tugs. Deck Officer: Liberty Ships, Victory Ships, Army & Navy Troopships, Hospital Ship, Dredge Superintendent, Operator Launches.
Shoreside: Messenger, Bill of Lading Clerk, Coastwise Dispatcher, Supervisor Vessel Performance, Marine Manager, Marine Superintendent, Vice President Operations, Motion Picture Marine Executive (“Waterworld”), CEO & Owner, Marine Safety Training Firm, Publisher, Editor Marine Safety Bulletins & Posters; Expert Witness, Senior Lecturer Academia,
Commodore and Keeper of the Light for Cobboseecontee Yacht Club in Maine now known as the Cobboseecontee Lake Association.
Employers: Robin Line, Merchants & Miners, Army Transport, Military Sea Transport Service, Henry DuBois Sons, Isthmian Steamship Co., Navios Corp., USN, Ships’ Operational Safety, New York City Board of Education, Moran Towing, Naess Shipping
Schools & Universities: Central High, Wash., DC, Millard Prep, USMSTS Sheepshead Bay, USMS AB Seaman Upgrading, USMSOS Fort Trumbull, New London, CT., USMS Kings Point, Kingsborough Community College, SUNY Maritime College, SUNY Empire State College
Awards & Decorations: Eagle Scout - BSA, Silver Beaver -BSA, Merchant Mariners’ Congressional Gold Medal, Combat Medal with Stars, Medal of Ushakov from Russia, 75th Anniversary of the Great Patriotic War (Russian Federation), Convoy Cup Certificate of Appreciation from Norway, Combat Bar (US) for service in WWII, Atlantic Area Service Medal, Mediterranean/Middle East Service Medal, Silver Beaver (BSA). Commemorative Award from Norway, Arctic Convoy Medal - UK.
2023:
On April 29, 2023, Honor Flight Long Island was kind enough to include me in their air flight to Washington DC to view veterans’ monuments. The event was highlighted by being escorted to MacArthur Airport by the Glen Cove Fire Department in the Fire Chief’s car, complete with sirens blazing, light flashing and a pumper truck escort.
On May 8, 2023, Memorial Day in many countries, I was honored with a luncheon at the Norwegian General Consul’s residence on New York’s East side. At this luncheon I was presented with the Norwegian Commemorative Medal.
Volunteer Activities: Skipper Ship 142, US Merchant Marine Academy. Skipper, Sea Scouts
Ship 142, Boy Scouts of America.
Presenter
James L. Dipelesi
James L Dipelesi, Born April 9, 1926 in Brooklyn NY
After the attack on Pearl Harbor Jim faked his age and as a 16-year-old joined the US Merchant Marine. He toured for about a year across the Atlantic through the Suez Canal to India. Once back in the US he joined the US Navy. He shipped out to Okinawa and on the way hit a Typhoon which sent the Light Cruiser Duluth to repair. The ship was repaired and sent back into action in the final battles of Okinawa. During Jim’s war time in the Navy, the Duluth was attacked by Kamikaze and Japanese bombers surviving both. The Duluth was part of the fleet in Tokyo Bay when the surrender papers were signed.
After the war Jim started working for one of the large carpet installation companies in NYC sweeping floors. Eventually over time he ended up being the president and owner of that company.
Jim retired from the carpet company at 63 years old and was so well respected in the industry the carpet layers union asked that he start a training program for apprentice carpet layers. In addition to the part time position with the carpet layers union, Jim joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary patrolling the Hudson River and Lake Mahopac. Jim was involved in the Coast Guard Boating safety courses which locally trained about 900 youths. Jim was part of the Coast Guard evacuation team for 9/11 on the Hudson River. He was involved in several rescues over the years on the Hudson and Lake Mahopac.
When Jim reached his early 90’s he retired from both positions. Jim still is active with the local VFW and American Legion at the ripe old age of 97.
Congressman Jerrold “Jerry” Nadler represents New York’s 12th Congressional District, one of the most dynamic and diverse districts in the country. Rep. Nadler began his career in public service in 1976 in the New York State Assembly. Representing the Upper West Side, he served as a Democratic Assemblyman for 16 years and played a significant role in shaping New York State law concerning child support enforcement and domestic abuse, as well as making major contributions to housing, transportation and consumer protection policy in the state. In 1992, Rep. Nadler was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election and has served in Congress ever since. He was re-elected to his sixteenth full term in 2022.