The Merchant Marine Gallant Ship Citation was established in 1944 through an Executive Order issued by Franklin Roosevelt. At the time, the awarded was issued to both Officers and Seaman who had served on a ship that was singled out for gallantry by the head of the War Shipping Administration, which could be either a U.S. ship or a foreign vessel operated by or for the U.S. Maritime Commission or the War Shipping Administration. Officers and Seamen receive a ribbon, while a bronze plaque is presented to the vessel.
Specifically, the text of the EO stated that the citation was to bring “deserved honor and distinction” to qualifying vessels which, after 8 September 1939, “has served or shall serve in outstanding action against attack or in gallant action in Marine disasters or other emergencies at sea,” wording that theoretically justify the award to a ship slated to pass through a dangerous area in the future. But very few ships were tapped for this award in World War II or later conflicts; according to the Maritime Administration, a mere 41 vessels were cited for the honor between 1942 and 1994.