### Question
How is the "merchant seaman" defined?


### Answer
The term **merchant seaman** is defined in *50 U.S.C. § 4113* as follows -

> any individual who was employed as a seaman or crew member on any vessel registered under the laws of the United States, or under the laws of any government friendly to the United States during World War II, and who was a citizen of the United States on and after December 7, 1941, to the date of his death or the date of filing claim under this section

#### Citation:
  - *50 U.S.C. § 4113*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 51-WAR CLAIMS > SUBCHAPTER I-TITLE I OF WAR CLAIMS ACT OF 1948**

