The Gallant Ship Award is presented by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to any U.S.-flag or foreign ship “participating in outstanding or gallant action in a marine disaster or other emergency to save life or property at sea.”

The award originates from an executive order issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II, which recognizes excellence and bravery in merchant mariners. Between 1942 and 1994, just 41 ships have received the Gallant Ship Award.

Learn about the actions of each individual Gallant Ship below:

• SS Stanvac Calcutta
• SS Nathanael Greene
• SS Cedar Mills
• SS Ile De France
• MV Western Pioneer
• SS President Wilson
• SS Japan Bear
• Tug Adeline Foss
• SS President Jackson
• Tug Brian McAllister
• Tug James E. Smith
• MV Okaloosa
• MV Enterprise
• Pilot Boat San Francisco
• SS Virginia Dare
• SS Stephen Hopkins
• SS Adoniram Judson
• SS Cape Ann
• SS Dolly Turman
• SS Meredith Victory
• SS Weissenburg
• Tug Julia C. Moran
• MV Khian Star
• Tug Grace McAllister
• Tug Kyle Smith
• MV Bonnie Palmer
• MV Starlight
• Tug Stamford
• Tug Pt. Milne
• SS William Moultrie
• SS Samuel Parker
• SS Marcus Daly
• USNS Pvt. William H. Thomas
• SS Philippine Mail
• MV Mathilde Bolten
• SS Cotton State
• SS President McKinley
• NYC Fireboat Firefighter
• Tug Texaco Fire Chief
• MV Captain Ed
• TS Williamsburgh
• MV Liberator
• MV Green Lake