usmc corps of cadets
U.S. Maritime Commission Corps of Cadets
In 1939, the U.S. Maritime Commission instituted Scholastic and Company-presented awards for outstanding cadets in the Deck and Engine programs. The regulations for the ribbons remained in force through 1942.
Regulations state they were to be 1/2in wide and 2in long; however, period photographs show they are 1/2in wide and 1 3/4in long - following the common ribbon bar size used by the U.S. Navy at the time.
Scholastic Award Ribbon - Engine program
Scholastic Award Ribbon - Deck program
Awardee of U.S. Maritime Commission Scholastic Award Ribbon.
War Shipping Administration
Prior to the creation of the Merchant Marine Combat Bar ribbon and the Merchant Marine Mariner's Medal in May 1943, the War Shipping Administration announced a "Torpedoed Seamen's Club." Its insignia was originally a gray ribbon with blue stars - each star representing a ship sunk by a torpedo; it was soon followed by a green ribbon with an aluminum star - each star representing a wound received due to enemy action . Cadets wore the former well after May 1943, into at least June 1943.
Enemy Action - torpedoed ribbon
Enemy Action - wound ribbon
Cadet-Midshipman William M. Thomas, Jr. at the award ceremony of his Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal (June 1943). Note the War Shipping Administration Enemy Action Ribbon to the right of the Merchant Marine Combat Bar with one silver star. col.: AMM