Merchant mariners got a qualified promise of consideration from Butler County commissioners in the mariners' effort to get "equal billing" on the community's World War II memorial.

Commissioners Chairman Dale Pinkerton said he and his colleagues would consider the mariners' request to submit the issue to outside mediation.

"That's all we are asking for," attorney Larry Rodgers said. Representing the merchant mariners without charge, Mr. Rodgers made their case for arbitration at a meeting Wednesday.

Local merchant mariners have been dueling since 2003 with the private group that raised money for the World War II monument. When it was dedicated Dec. 7, 2004, in Diamond Park in downtown Butler, merchant mariners were listed on the back of the memorial along with two dozen other groups that aided the war effort.

Several merchant mariners spoke at Wednesday's meeting. George Hart, of New Wilmington, served in the Merchant Marine during World War II and in the Navy during the Korean and Vietnam wars. On Lawrence County and Westminster College memorials, the Merchant Marine symbol is as prominent as those of the Navy and Coast Guard, he said.

Merchant mariners worked on American cargo ships. During World War II, many made multiple voyages through war zones and almost 7,000 died when their ships were shelled or sunk by the Germans and Japanese.

Because they were paid by the companies that owned the ships, and not the U.S. government, they were not considered military personnel at war's end.

Since 1988, World War II-era mariners have been eligible for many benefits granted to veterans. On many recently built monuments, including the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., their medallion has been included with those of the traditional Armed Services.

The county commissioners have been reluctant to involve themselves in the dispute, noting that money for the Butler memorial was raised by a private group. The monument, however, sits on public land.

"Not to recognize their branch of service was a mistake," Mr. Rodgers told the commissioners, and including them on the rear of the monument makes their sacrifices seem less important. "What they want is equal billing," he said.

The men he represents were willing to submit the issue to an outside arbitrator and to accept that ruling, Mr. Rodgers said.

Mr. Pinkerton said he and his colleagues would consider the mariners' proposal early in the new year.

First Published: January 4, 2009, 5:00 a.m.