Veterans' Benefits: World War II Merchant Mariners Potentially Eligible

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO estimated: (1) the number of mariners who served during the entire period of World War II; and (2) the number of potential beneficiaries of the Merchant Mariners Fairness Act of 1997 if veteran status were extended to former mariners who served from August 16, 1945, through December 31, 1946.