Fifty plus years after the fact - after I was already retired - after this book was completed - and almost after it no longer mattered - our federal government, in it's infinite wisdom, finally recognized and acknowledged the heroic and dedicated service of merchant seamen during World War II. Consequently I applied for and received an honorable discharge. I am registered at a veteran's hospital and am entitled to all the medical benefits including, most importantly to me, rx medication at a reasonable price. I am also entitled to veteran's burial rites. Also, and obviously too late for me,...