WWII Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal #2051 with slot brooch and case

Description

World War Two (WWII) Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal.  This medal has its proper slot brooch and is numbered "2051" on the reverse.  It come with an original ribbon bar and
the original black Merchant Marine decoration issue case.
It is marked "P M", for Paul Manship, designer located on the obverse on the lower left side, below the eagle and between the anchor's shaft and fluke.  The medal, ribbon, and box are all in excellent condition.
The Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal (MMMSM) was instituted by Presidential Decree of August 29th, 1944.  Anyone serving aboard an American or foreign Merchant Vessel sailing under orders of the United States Maritime Commission or the War Shipping Administration was eligible for the medal.  The medal could be awarded for merit or meritorious conduct as from September 1939 and after recommendation by the Administrator of the War Shipping Commission.  The action should have been insufficient to merit an award of the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal.  Multiple awards were marked with a suitable clasp, to be worn on the ribbon of the first award.  The MMMSM could also be awarded posthumously.