The Extraordinary Wartime Contributions of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Created on the verge of the Second World War to aid in the Coast Guard role of promoting watercraft safety, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary performed vital and unsung functions during the war. The History Guy remembers their extraordinary wartime contributions in this "History Guy Hat Collection" video.
An original version of this episode was created for History Guy patrons on Patreon. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider a subscription. www.patreon.com/thehistoryguy
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
This episode deals with violent historical events. All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
More information on the history of the Civil Air Patrol:
history.cap.gov/
Details regarding all those lost serving with the Civil Air Patrol:
history.cap.gov/files/original/1fbc064a521d330669c64e108e1b313a.pdf
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The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.
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Script by THG
#ushistory #thehistoryguy #wwii

[@tonydee2069]

The morning after Pearl Harbor, my father went to the Springfield Mass Post office/Federal Building, to hopefully enlist in the army air corps. There were no recruiters there, but an old man in a black uniform trying to unfold a card table. My father helped him set it up, place boxes of brochures and papers on it, and told the man he needed to join the army or something- before they draft everyone. The old man said 'fill out this post card, I will mail it to Boston. You won't get drafted after that'. It was a card to 'apply' to join the Coast Guard. The old man was the auxiliary in the yacht club on the Connecticut River. That one old auxiliary guardsman got many local kids, male and female, into the USCG simply because he was there and prepared, no other recruiters were.

[@amymatusik972]

As a former Coast Guard Auxiliarist, I thank you for this video. Too many people do not know that this branch exist or what we continue to do for the safety of our follow Americans.

[@717rocket]

Thanks for your service, the Auxiliary does a very important service to civilian boaters.

[@elsiestormont1366]

May God bless you for your selfless service.

[@tlindsey9769]

I was able to and greatly proud to have served 22 years in the regular Coast Guard. While stationed in Panama City Florida, I was fortunate to be a recipient of the Coast Guard Flotilla at or near Apalachicola Florida, who so many times took on patrols and emergency rescue assignments many times in cold and stormy seas. How grateful was the crew of Point Lobos for the services of these wonderful people. I have many times thought with grateful heart about the sacrifices these men made. I remain a thankful recipient of their selfless service to America. Thanks to all the many Coast Guard brothers in the Auxiliary.

[@jeffcamp481]

My hat is off to the fine volunteers of the Coast Guard Auxiliary! Thank you for sharing the history of this heroic organization! It’s history that deserves to be remembered!

[@001desertrat3]

THANK YOU for telling the often untold history of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary . My Father was a member of the Auxiliary from the late 1950's through the 1960's , eventually working his way up to become the District Commander of District 11 . But , he was also a very active member of the United States Power Squadrons ( a National safe boating organization ) and worked his way through the ranks to become the NATIONAL COMMANDER of the United States Power Squadrons in 1972 . At the time of his Death in 2002 , he had earned 5 Hash Marks on the sleeve of his Dress Uniform ( equivalent to an Admiral ) and received recognition for 50 Years of active service with the USPS . - - I'm very proud of him and I miss him dearly . < Doc > .

[@railroad9000]

Thank you for presenting this. I am still active at 77 in the Auxiliary.

[@TVaughan667]

USCG Auxiliary and Civil Air Patrol are examples of Americans at their best. Seeing a need and stepping forward to volunteer. Thank you History Guy.

[@skyserf]

If they played the History Guy in US airports instead of CNN people would be huddled around the tv monitors.

[@nickkennedy626]

skyserf a lot of people would miss their plane......

[@skyserf]

Nick Kennedy That’s a good point 🤔

[@rvasquez8057]

If they played the HG instead of Fox News, people would learn actual facts......

[@skyserf]

R Vasquez You’ll never know. CNN pays about 60 domestic airport authorities to broadcast their feed.

[@skyserf]

R Vasquez And not to get into a political debate, I’ve been flying professionally for 20 years. I just wish there was something worthwhile to watch for myself and the pax if we are stuck in a boarding area.

[@paulrapp6]

Many thanks for this video. My parents both served in the navy during WWII, after that conflict ended our family became heavily involved in boating. Mom and Dad belonged to the U.S.C.G.A. from the mid fifties until they were incapable of participating. In their later years their vessels were Operational Facilities; small boats, both sail and power, equipped to Coast Guard standards for many of the tasks you mentioned in the video. These boats were not armed but they participated in safety patrols, voluntary vessel inspections, search and rescue operations and myriad mundane tasks as needed. Dad also taught basic and advanced navigation and boating safety. My path in life did not assign me to follow in my parents footsteps, but to this day I have a deep appreciation for the men and women of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the role they play in assisting the Coast Guard and the nation.

[@johnnydeville5701]

What a great video! I have tremendous respect for the USCG. My grandfather was a proud coastguardsmen who worked his way from enlisted US Navy to retiring as The Captain of the Port of Seattle! I'm proud to be his grandson, and I miss him deeply.

[@peterk8909]

After serving as a submariner in WW II, my late father in law, Walter Earl's proudly served in the Coast Guard Auxillary for the rest of his life, participating in rescues and drug arrests. *Interestingly, Commodores were elected by their flotillas on a yearly basis. Thanks for more "History that deserves to be remembered".

[@TimPearcy]

Great stuff! As a Navy vet I can certainly appreciate anyone who serves and doing it for zero dollars is positively uplifting!

[@Fireblogging]

Ah, thanks! That answers my previous question about the hat. And as a Coast Guard officer, I worked often with the Auxiliary. They save taxpayers huge sums and keep the nation safer.

[@TheShawna1]

Thanks for the video I was in the auxiliary during the late 80s into the mid 90s Division 12 District 1NR flotilla 1208 now known as 12-8 I remember patrols on the North river mouth Near Scituate Mass. very dangerous area!, and boating education and checking of Pleasure craft all on a Voluntary basis of course.Fond memories of those times.jim

[@bryantsemenza9703]

Again, being a member of the United States Coast Guard, the auxiliary US Coast Guard is an extremely important part of the overall United States Coast Guard. They take up duties and relieved us to conduct many more missions that would have otherwise tide us down. I thank the auxiliary for their heroic efforts every day, not being paid but always ready to serve. Thank you Chief Petty Officer (Ret.)

[@MrJvj1911]

This was a great episode. I currently serve in the Auxiliary in the Great Lakes and appreciate you highlighting our service. Semper Paratus!

[@davidgassner9119]

My father was a WW11 Marine, then a Oregon state police trooper, When he retired till he died in 2012 he and my mom were in the Coast Guard auxiliary. Great topic.

[@johnduchesneau8685]

A great summary of the history and functions of a little known element of the US Armed Forces.

[@Underwaystudios]

Thanks so much for "Remembering" Coasties

[@theMemo-1]

I served active duty for 4 years on the Great Lakes. USCG Cutter Raritan and 3 years at Station St Joseph Michigan. I worked closely with the Auxiliary in St Joseph, and respected their mission and involvement! I didn't know their history though and loved this video! Thank you History Guy and you are correct, history that SHOULD be remembered! 👍🐺👍

[@rogerkomula8057]

That must have been death defying. Wow, the Great Lakes. You might have gotten a painful sunburn. Thanks for your service.

[@theMemo-1]

@@rogerkomula8057 Wow buddy, sarcasm a bit thick! I don't care what you think, but to those who know that the Great Lakes are more dangerous to boaters than the ocean on both sides of this country, The Coast Guard Auxiliary deserves our Respect.

[@theMemo-1]

Semper Paratus

[@rogerkomula8057]

@@theMemo-1 - I seem to remember that the Coast Guard wasn't much use for the EF. But all that gold braid sure looks pretty.

[@theMemo-1]

@@rogerkomula8057 you obviously don't know what you're talking about! Semper Paratus

[@geoben1810]

As a proud U.S. NAVY veteran I salute those men and women of the Coast Guard Reserve and Coast Guard Auxiliary who gave their time, effort, and equipment so freely in the service of their Country. ✌🇺🇸

[@buckrogers7498]

As a Coast Guard regular vet, I worked with Auxiliary but never really knew the history. Thanks for this.

[@hardlyb]

I remember taking a boating safety class from the Coast Guard Auxiliary when I was a kid.

[@katiekane5247]

I'm a disabled 60 year old. I've started volunteering for my counties Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT). I can no longer run a chainsaw or hike miles to find lost hikers but last Saturday, teamed with the Red Cross, 200+ free smoke detectors were installed in our rural county of 23,000 souls. If you are able, look for volunteer opportunities around you. It's not just for boat owners!

[@johnmcmorris1170]

These are American hero's. They did not storm the beaches of Normandy or drive the enemy off of Iwo Jima. But they did do everything they could at great risk, no pay and no recognition for the safety of our country and victory over our foes. God Bless you for pointing this out. While our "hero's" of WWII are so very worthy of that recognition, it is the "unsung" hero's who deserve our respect as well.

[@garydean0308]

My wife and I were in the Coast Guard Auxillary when we lived in Alton.

[@timcarlson2457]

Thank you for another fine episode, my dad was in the Auxiliary for years.

[@andreaanderson515]

Thanks. I’ve always been curious about the auxiliary. I live in Grand Haven, Michigan, AKA “Coast Guard City, USA” and have seen the auxiliary floats in our annual Coast Guard parade. You actually had a picture near the end of your presentation of Coast Guard saluting with a wall behind them. What they were saluting was a wreath placed in front of the mast of the USS Escanaba which was sunk during WWII. Only two survivors who, until they passed, were honored riders in the parade each year which takes place during the week long Coast Guard Festival. It’s a HUGE festival that brings a couple hundred thousand visitors to our small town every summer. I love your channel. I watch frequently. Thanks.

[@jamesbaird1342]

My mother was a model before the war and because my father was an airforce officer they moved around the country whenever joined any branch she did recruitment ads for C.G. and always identified as a proud Coast Gaurder.

[@madmax2099a]

Thanks much from a old regular Coastie.

[@rogerkomula8057]

Thanks for keeping all the drugs out. Oh, wait. Never mind.

[@md_vandenberg]

_Semper Paratus_

[@717rocket]

Thanks History Guy, served 5 years in the USCG. Did know a little about the auxiliary but not about the origin. Thanks and well done.

[@gonzolives4205]

When I was in Young Marines in middle school a couple men from the Coast Guard Auxiliary taught us all boating safety and gave us test to get our Texas State Boating license. Fun times.

[@rudolfyakich6653]

I always tender a thumbs up for our wartime volunteers AND the History Guy 🎖️📚

[@johntabler349]

I am again impressed with a fascinating subject that 15 minutes ago I knew nothing about

[@cynthiaslater7445]

There were so many ways the average citizen tried to help the community and serve our nation, yet few are remembered. Thank goodness you are here to help us!

[@lordflashheart3706]

Both of my parents were Auxiliary members back in the 70's and 80's, in the Illinois Chain o' Lakes Flotilla. They gave up boating to open their home to foster children, (including me) but every now and then, my dad would give me a look, like maybe he'd made a horrible mistake. 😂

[@kingleoxvii2463]

I'm not sure if I should laugh. Lol!

[@BrokeMoFo]

Crazy, lol.. I live on the chain.. Small world.

[@jamesfracasse8178]

Awesome 👍, perhaps you may want to keep up the family tradition of a life on the sea.

[@stevenbaker8184]

Sounds like he was an admirable guy. My godfather was a Marine and my godparents took in kids and raised many as if their own. You dad is someone to be respected.

[@JamieBainbridge]

What an amazing episode. Imagine being able to serve your country during war in a tangible way like this. Who needs pay!

[@n7565j]

Excellent video sir!!! I was a 1st Lieutenant with the C.A.P. along with my father back in the 90's. I was the pilot and my father was a spotter, we trained to search for downed planes using radio equipment to locate the E.L.T.'s from the downed A/C. Not needed as much today with the advent of GPS & ADS-B, they've even decommissioned the old sats that would listen for the downed A/C's E.L.T. beacon. Now they can pinpoint the A/C's position and send in the rescue crew's right off the bat, which is great news for crews and passengers :-) Unfortunately I lost my FAA medical, so all I fly now is a flight sim :-( Thanks for recognizing these volunteers!!!

[@celowski6296]

Living here in Michigan we have many stories about the Auxiliary in WWII. In fact Lake Michigan and Lake Huron were used for training in that war. Amazing history here. You may want to look into and do a vid on the Great Lakes in WWII.. Thank you for your wonderful vids. Keep up the history!

[@stevebeckerman4214]

I served in the active duty Coast Guard for over 21 years. The CG Auxiliary tracked me down and I’ve been a member for seven years. It’s a wonderful organization with dedicated volunteers and people who willing to give a lot of time and effort to make things safer out on the water.

[@maxsmodels]

I flew for a flying school that was also a USCGA unit. They did a lot of ship patrols because of so much shipping traffic in the Chesapeake. It is a great organization. It was sort of like a CAP just to watch the waterways,

[@tomm4284]

I flew several Maryland CAP Bay Patrol Missions 1968-1969. I only found one capsized boat; my ex-wife's father found 34 following one heavy squall line.

[@mjc11a]

My profound thanks and gratitude to THG for posting this presentation. My time in the USCG AUX remains one of the most satisfying experiences of my lifetime. I tip my cap to THG for bringing this into the public eye. DSO, 4-10 8CR. Again, thank you for posting and be safe 🙏

[@richardgarowski.5161]

Salute, hats ON to the U.S.C.G. and the men and women of the U.S.C.G.A.!! Minute men and women of the time.

[@Loki1701e]

Amazing video! My dad and my grandpa served in the US Coast Guard and its great to look back into history of the Coast Guard to learn about the things that were little known about americas smallest military branch. Down at cape fear by the old fort fisher museum theres still a old bunker from where they used to watch for U Boats and infiltrators.

[@chuckvt5196]

THank you, sir! I have so many friends who serve with the Auxiliary to no fanfare. How nice that you featured them!

[@stevenpdxedu]

A truly patriotic service, thanks for bringing it to my attention. I will remember.

[@elsiestormont1366]

Having lived half my life in central California and the other half in interior Alaska, I didn't have an inkling of the vital service that the Coast Guard Auxiliary provides. But to be sure, I will not forget them now. Thanks for the history!

[@vwpatton]

Excellent presentation (as always)!! Thanks for raising the visibility of one of our country's unsung heroes!

[@andon_RT]

I worked at a boating supply store years ago. Our assistant manager was a member of the Coast Guard Auxilliary. Cool to hear about the history of that organization.

[@michaelwalton4017]

A salute to Commador Smith!🇺🇸 And the History Guy!😁👍

[@dannynicastro3207]

Michael Walton ...same here, from PhillyPA 🤗😁 interesting story. I wish I didnt get seasick. Love to read stories from history...any countries history, concerning ships, ship building. Especially the old tales of the 18th n 19th centuries. Not to mention the World Wars. My husband never sailed, but tuna fished, went out for day trips on party boats. Out for overnight fishing for 1 or 2 nights with a close friend on his 21 footer. I get sick on the ferry going to NJ from Philly. Enjoy the stories though....the Bounty, Horatio Nelsons stories, anything on these giant vessels....the fact that man has been onthe sea for centuries, just amazes me. Truly, thank you, History Guy. Great Story. God bless you and yours. God bless America!

[@ericthered760]

Excellent piece. Keep up the good work. As for the owner of the hat, yes, Smith is a common name, but how many Smiths were commodores (very high ranking officer) ? Finding out might be easier than you think ! Just sayin'

[@leitheparsons1186]

My Dad was in the coast guard during ww2 and was one of those stationed on a sailboat looking for the Japanese in the north Pacific(Alaska).they had a one way radio. If they spotted the Japanese they could call in but couldn't receive( how crazy was that). The sailboat went down in a storm and they were rescued but he got frost bite on his hands. He ended up in the south Pacific for most of the war.

[@johnkelley9877]

Thanks or sharing this. I did not know about the USCGA until now but it is a great episode highlighting the bravery of these volunteers. They do a great service for our nation.

[@johnopalko5223]

Former yachtsman here. I have nothing but respect for the USCG and the Auxiliary. A wonderful, and greatly under-appreciated bunch of people. I was a member of the United States Power Squadrons and probably would have joined the Auxiliary but, a boat being "a hole in the water ... into which one pours money," I had to give up that activity.

[@traxiii]

I was a member of Div. 11 Flotilla 3-10 during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and hosted a team of USCG Photographers and we docked our Aux. Vessel Wahine at the Olympic Sailing Venue in Long Beach. While we were taking the photo team around to document the regular "Coastie" activities, the rest of the Aux. were hard at work. The Aux. helped patrol the venues, keeping spectator boats clear of the sail racing areas, and also served as break vessels. The break vessels supported the fairly new to the Coast Guard, Rigid Hull Inflatable "RHI" boats that did most of the patrolling of the L.A. & Long Beach Harbors, looking for terrorists and other problems. They were small around '18 with a center bench that was straddled like a saddle with a crew of 3 or 4 M16s and an M60 machine gun. One important thing they didn't have on those "RHI"s was a "head" aka bathroom. The Aux. boats supporting them provided that facility as well as a larger boat to stretch their legs, take a break and partake of refreshments. Those were provided by the Aux. crews, mostly at their own expense and the Coast Guard crews and the Aux. crews became very appreciative and the different Aux. crews would compete the others, as to who had the best snacks and conveniences. A wonderful working relationship was established over the 3 weeks or so, and a commemorative decal was struck featuring a barge with a porta-potty and palm tree. If I ever find mine I'll send you a pic.

[@hyfy-tr2jy]

Am still eagerly awaiting an episode on the Polish Pilots of the RAF :)

[@thehuscarl4835]

Seconded!

[@therenumerator9198]

Thirdfourth

[@em1osmurf]

the most vicious squadron the allies had!! hell yeh!

[@thebonesaw..4634]

How many Poles does it take to fly and airplane? . . . *145...* more than from any other nation*, other than the British themselves, during the Battle of Britain (* ...more than *four times as many* as 11 out of the 14 other nations that also fought along side them). And they fought with great honor and distinction; putting themselves in harm's way, many of them sacrificing their lives against the threat that was Nazi Germany. And their story should never *EVER* be forgotten.

[@Simonsvids]

I have a friend and work colleague who's father was a Polish fighter pilot for the RAF during WW2. He told me that his father said they played a game called 'chicken' when in the air training. The game involved going as high as you could in your plane without using oxygen. The one who went the highest won. The danger was that you might well pass out, then coming to whilst in a dive which you would have to recover from. (His father married his mother who was Welsh and that's why he was brought up in the UK).

[@glengustafson6959]

My father was in the Coast Guard. Then his younger brother joined as well. Later Dad joined the Coast Guard Auxillary and used our Cessna 170 to help search for aircraft lost in remote parts of Baja California for the Mexican Government. I also joined when I was old enough. Some 50 years after he had served we were at a restaurant down past Ensenada when Dad noticed a photo of a Coast Guard PBM on the wall. The restaurant owner said he used to own a shrimp boat and a crew member had badly injured his hand in the winch and had to be evacuated. My father recounted how it had gotten dark and he had to leave a trail of floating flares while the plane taxiid so they knew where they had a clear path to take off. They just stared at each other for a minute. That was one interesting reunion. Lunch was free that day.

[@notxarb21]

What a fascinating story of a branch of the service of which I was not aware! Thank you for your excellent presentation honoring these brave and selfless men and women who served (and continue to serve) their country!

[@gregbrockway4452]

Thank you THG for another outstanding video. And a salute to Commadore Smith and the USCG from a former sailor.

[@rosetownstumpcity]

This is my new favorite channel, and I'm telling all of my friends about it

[@andrewinbody4301]

I know! Right?

[@vickiecauthen9037]

My mother joined the Coast Guard Auxilliary during WWII. She was required to study all of the planes she might see. From there she climbed up to the very top level of the town hall in our small coastal Massachustts town, where she was a plane spotter.

[@captsam54]

great episode.. Being a sailor most of my life.. I can appreciate their dedication

[@barrylitchfield250]

Good morning History Guy! Another great lesson in history presented by the one person I trust will present a truthful, and interesting lesson. Thanks again for your dedication to educating us. I would like to see you present a lesson on Merchant Marines during WWII, and the dangers they faced from submarine attacks. I understand that they received no benefit from their dangerous duty like military veterans receive.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXuuc36OfrJ6hKc

[@barrylitchfield250]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Hey History Guy, I'm not sure how I missed seeing this lesson earlier because when I first discovered your channel I tried to watch every video you had posted up to that point. Somehow this one managed to escape my viewing. Thanks for your prompt response! As usual, great lesson on the subject I requested.

[@ronaldmoore7946]

So true history guy duty very often isn't glamorous but always necessary and appreciated

[@skyserf]

9500 boats 😳 wow, that’s impressive. Nice instant haircut at 0:30 💈

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

LOL two clips six months apart

[@skyserf]

The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered 👍🏽😁

[@billdewahl7007]

I love KZbin. (minus their clear political bias) I always see something quirky and run down to the comments to see who else has noticed it. Never fails to be a top comment!

[@Repuestosgigante]

Lol ... I had to do a quick rewind ... in fact I think the first part is what was made later rather than a “hair cut “ ..... congrats on the great videos BTW ... excellent content

[@robozstarrr8930]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel looking forward to . . . a Beard ( or Mustache ) edit m_m

[@michaeldougfir9807]

When my current wife and I got married a few years ago, we were both widowed. She and her then late husband had been USCG Auxillary members at Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California. She has some interesting stories. I am a veteran of the small ship end of the US Navy. Two ships of my ship class were turned over to the US Coast Guard. It makes me feel like I have some understanding of their good work.

[@kathyhester3066]

I had never heard of the Coast Guard Auxiliary before seeing this history lesson. Thanks again for increasing our knowledge.

[@standriggs2420]

During times of peace, other branches of the military train to be ready when called upon to go into action. Except for the Coast Guard. They are out there, protecting our shores and ready to risk their lives to save others, every day of the year. Thank you.

[@billd.iniowa2263]

Being in Iowa, I never really thought about this. but dangit, that's pretty darn cool! Thanx for the info, and thanx to the Coastguard Reserves!

[@thedukeofswellington1827]

My dad was USCG aux here in Flotilla 76 in Philadelphia and them served from 54-60 mostly in New York City and Bermuda. He got started with the Delaware River Yacht Club driving the tiller boat

[@douglasfrazier811]

truely unsung heroes, and an example during ww2 of a nation united...

[@sailinganthony1549]

I am a coast guard auxiliaries, I been in for 2 years now and I am going to make a full career out of it. Semper Paratus "always ready" honor,courage, and devotion to duty 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@randyphillips2263]

Thank you History Guy. I knew at least a little about the CAP but I did not know anything about the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

[@yumpinyiminy963]

These guys are fantastic. I took their Aux course before buying my yacht. I then got it documented. Suggest you do a clip on documenting a boat. Your boat can be drafted.

[@therenumerator9198]

So much in the mists of time, fascinating stuff just waiting to be found. Always, always enjoyable. Waiting for the next one.

[@almontepaolilli4909]

Great. Video. Good to highlight a little known service.

[@ScooterFXRS]

They take a Huge load off regular Coast Guard SAR stations in the height of calls in the boating season. Thank You.

[@Paladin1873]

I remember there was a Coast Guard Auxiliary unit in Bainbridge, GA, that kept their rescue boat in the marina on the Flint River. That would have been in the early 60s.

[@Paladin1873]

As I recall, it was the largest boat in the marina and was painted white with an orange stripe across the bow.

[@terryboyer1342]

I remember Lloyd Bridges playing Mike Nelson on the TV show Sea Hunt referring to the Coast Guard Auxiliary many times.

[@thedungeondelver]

"By this time, my lungs were aching for air."

[@robozstarrr8930]

"... tell my wife MAY I won't be home toDAY "

[@sarjim4381]

Bridges served in the Coast Guard during WWII and joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1955. He did a lot of promotion for the Auxiliary and was appointed as an honorary commodore for his work. Ironically, he was blacklisted for a short period during the same period for his membership in a 1940's actor's organization with links to other Communist front organizations.

[@sambiscits6711]

I love the show Sea Hunt, in fact I watched some old episodes a month ago where Mike Nelson dressed up as a Coast Guard Auxiliary.

[@terryboyer1342]

@@sambiscits6711 Wow! I haven't seen it since I was a kid in the 60s. Didn't know they still aired it.

[@shadowraith1]

Thank you for a snippet I was totally unaware of.👍

[@marshdweller01]

I've been in the CGAUX for years, but didn't know this story of their support in WWII. Thanks for that.

[@squint04]

What's with the dislikes? A big thank you, to the CG Auxiliary and the History Guy!!

[@rustycowll5735]

I wonder if they aren't just trolls.

[@oldgoat142]

Doing a great job as always, History Guy. Love your content.

[@deanstuart8012]

Since you seem to be keen on reserve and auxiliary organisations would you consider an episode on the Observer Corps/Royal Observer Corps and it's role both in WWII as part of Air Defence Great Britain (especially during the Battle of Britain)and during the Normandy landings, and it's post war civil defence/nuclear warning role.

[@rvasquez8057]

Another terrific story of great unsung heroes..

[@bacarnal]

Very enlightening, as usual. He was also correct towards the end calling Commodore Smith's head gear a "cover". Good show.

[@virgiltibbs6971]

You rock History Guy

[@Music-lx1tf]

Thank you for another great story.

[@Heard83]

I love history and I’m so happy that I found your channel about 1 month ago and since then I have been hooked on your videos. I think what your doing is amazing people need to know history and you make it very interesting keep up the great work.

[@johnwilliamson2276]

Once again you have given me something that I didn't know that I was missing.

[@JR-qz3zt]

Great video. Thanks once again. I always enjoy watching your videos.

[@bullettube9863]

During WW2 the brass were faced with the question; "where are we going to get men to man all the small boats, PT boats and landing craft we are going to need?" The answer of course was already there, from 1939 onward thousands of men (and women) had qualified to pilot small craft by the Coast Guard! I first came into contact with the auxiliary when I worked part time at a marina as a mechanic. I took the CG course on small boat safety; as my employer was a member of the auxiliary; we worked on several boats free of charge. The great lakes CG is also involved in pollution control and is active in the ecological aspect of protecting our great lakes fishery habitat.

[@phantomaudits]

Thank you for this episode , very inspiring

[@quinnjim]

It's so great (but not surprising) to see your channel growing so fast. You deserve it. Great content!

[@Matt02341]

Excellent history and reporting. Very cool

[@fire304]

I just learned about the Battle of Athens, TN. That is history that deserves to be remembered!

[@bz1mm]

Awesome video! Thanks for a feature on us AUX guys. I’m in flotilla 085-33-01.

[@JamesD92763]

Awesome,... I Love to learn things like this

[@MrDmitriRavenoff]

I learn so much from you. Thank you for your awesome, interesting videos.

[@tonykiburis8068]

Great Story! I'd like to research the history of my farther's WWII outfit. He was in the 548th Heavy Ordnance Company under the 9th Army repairing 8" howitzers & 155 cannons. They were located between Malmandy & St. Vith, Belgium on 16 December, 1944, the start of the Battle of the Bulge . He was right on the boundary line between the 6th & 5th Panzer Armies. This buffer zone between the two German Armies probably allowed his outfit to escape. Originally ordered to destroy their equipment & proceed on foot to Antwerp. Some how they got out with their equipment & were later attached to Patton's 3rd. Army. Thanks for any advice, Tony

[@Legitpenguins99]

A true gloryless and thankless job. Thank you for remembering

[@v.e.7236]

Very interesting to hear Arthur Fiedler, of the Boston Pops, was a member of this group. I got to see the Pops perform in Los Angeles, back in the 70s. Great performance.