Navy Pier in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

United States Merchant Marine

1941–1945

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 25, 2026

1. United States Merchant Marine Marker

Inscription. Dedicated to the memory of the 5662 brave merchant seamen who unselfishly gave their lives aboard 733 merchant ships that were sunk by the enemy during World War II. Also the 1810 US Navy armed guard who lost their lives in defending the merchant ships against the enemy during W.W.II.

"United States Merchant Marine"
Without regard for personal safety, these brave merchant seamen were all volunteers, performed the duties required in the transporting of the armed forces and supplied to all theaters of action, making a monumental contribution to the ultimate allied victory of World War I.

Never quitting until that final telegraph has been answered

"Finish with engines"
All of these brave men died with greatest honors, so that mankind could be free.

Erected 1995 by American Merchant Marine Veterans Midwest Chapter.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.

Location. 41° 53.513′ N, 87° 35.946′ W. Memorial is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Navy Pier. It is on East Grand Avenue 0.8 miles east

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of DuSable Lake Shore Drive (U.S. 41). The marker is next to one of the doors into the grand ballroom at Navy Pier. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 800 East Grand Avenue, Chicago IL 60611, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is on Chicago’s North Side. It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: USS Chicago Anchor (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named USS Chicago Anchor (within shouting distance of this marker); Navy Pier Salute (within shouting distance of this marker); Terminal Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shelter Building (about 600 feet away); Reach (approx. half a mile away); Storm Water Use for Irrigation (approx. half a mile away);

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 25, 2026

2. United States Merchant Marine Marker

Captain on the Helm (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . . About the American Merchant Marine Veterans. (Submitted on March 25, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Navy Pier Grand Ballroom image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 25, 2026

3. Navy Pier Grand Ballroom

Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.