United States Maritime Literature Awards

The United States Maritime Literature Awards were created to promote maritime cultures, history, heritages and personalities. First Lady Laura Bush officially recognized the Awards in 2002.

The international maritime literature awards were founded by Rockport-Fulton, Texas resident, Richard Lamb and Alexandria, Virginia resident, Stephen J. Deatherage.

The Awards are presented to winning nonfiction maritime writers and publishing companies annually. Books may be nominated in the juvenile readers, national or international division.

Award recipients

• William R. Benedetto was presented a 2006 Award for his book,"Sailing into the Abyss" in Portland, Oregon during the Rose Festival. U.S. Congresswoman Darlene Hooley read the first statement into the United States Congressional Record on December 6, 2006, recognizing William Benedetto as the first Oregon writer to win a United States Maritime Literature Award.
• Thomas J. Cutler received his 2006 United States Maritime Literature Award on May 5, 2006 during the Maryland Maritime Heritage Festival. He was presented his award for his book, "A Sailor's History of the U.S. Navy", which is now issued to every recruit in Navy bootcamps. Annapolis, Maryland Mayor Ellen Moyer proclaimed this date at Thomas J. Cutler Day for being the first Maryland naval historian to win a United States Maritime Literature Award.
• Nicolette Jones, 2007 International Division Winner for her book, "The Plimsoll Sensation: The Great Campaign to Save Lives at Sea." She won the Mountbatten Maritime Prize for this same book in 2006. Published by Little Brown and Company, London
• Janeen Mason, 2007 Juvenile Division Winner for her book, "Ocean Commotion: Sea Turtles." Published by Pelican Publishing Company. She was recognized by Florida Secretary of State Kurt Browning for this national award.
• James D. Hornfischer, author of "Ship of Ghosts." Published by Bantam Books.
• Jonathan W. Jordan, author of "Lone Star Navy." Published by Potomac Books.