The U.S. Coast Guard in the Great War: USCGC Tampa

[@DavidKutzler]

In 1972, I was a medic in the US Army. To earn a little extra money, I worked weekends as an "ambulance attendant" (this was before the advent of EMTs). My driver was a WWII veteran of the US Coast Guard. He was normally a very talkative man, but he would go quiet and somber from time to time. When I asked him what was wrong he would just shake his head and turn away. One day, after an ambulance call that had not gone well, he became teary-eyed and his hands began to shake. He said, "We did everything we could to save that woman, but it wasn't enough. I feel so helpless." Then he talked about his war-time service escorting convoys. His Coast Guard cutter was escorting troop ships across the Atlantic for the buildup prior to D-Day. His captain was under strict orders not to stop for survivors of any sunk ships from the convoy. One terrible night, the convoy was attacked and two troop ships were sunk. There were hundreds of men in the water around them calling out and begging to be rescued. His ship, as ordered, veered away to locate and attack the German submarines. He said that he still hears those men calling out to him from the water and is overwhelmed by feelings of grief as he was helpless to rescue them.

[@flounder31]

...and here I am, all teary-eyed over a bunch of Coasties I never knew or was related to, that died 103 years ago. Heroes all... thank you for telling their story.

[@johndavidwolf1028]

Ditto

[@anthonybaroni3285]

History can be deep felt and personal.

[@RsDefcon]

Same

[@davidsteving6528]

This is precisely why I watch this channel.

[@kendrickgibbs5326]

Same here. I’m in the gym listening and not sure if it’s years or sweat rolling down my face

[@xMrsmileyfacex]

I am a USCG veteran. I served proudly aboard an icebreaker that served actively on the International Ice Patrol. Marking large icebergs with a sonar gadget that pinged sonar machines aboard other vessels. I salute the brave men of the USCGC TAMPA and say proudly SEMPER PARATUS..... Always Ready. GOD Bless.

[@desertrat6075]

I had the distinct privilege to be stationed aboard one of Tampa's sisters, CGC Northland, as my first military assignment. All of the 270s are named for historically significant CG Cutters from the past. Hence the name, Famous Class Cutters. 26 years later and assigned back in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, I have been able to go back to the base in Portsmouth which she calls home and show my grown kids where I started this journey. I will always cherish my days serving aboard "The Love Boat" just across the pier from "The Tampax".

[@cjwagner2284]

As a proud former member of the USCG, thank you for this.

[@JoshuaTootell]

MK1...once upon a time

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

PSS2 (almost 1) in a better time

[@morbes]

More Coast Guard History please.

[@Mark13tol]

From the navy Semper Fortis, to the "Coasties" Semper Paratus. You sure know how to make a grown man tear up.

[@radbradmusicartist]

The military are murderers.

[@richardbarr3289]

Thank You! From a proud Coastie ‘74-78

[@mintybadger6905]

I’m a Tampa native, thank you so much for telling this story!

[@zoeyshoots]

3rd generation native myself. When I got older I realized that we were celebrating a rapist, murdering, criminal. Jose gaspar!! Lol. But it was fun

[@Patrick_Cooper]

Thank you. I served on the Cutter Campbell 76-78. Built in 1936, it had served as escort in ww2, Its good to see the Coasties get some attention. By the time I served aboard the ship, it was quite run down. It had rust spots clear through the hull, Holes in the Hull are not a good thing. It's boilers would oten shut down, just after we had cast off our mooring lines. But I travelled to Japan and Hawaii on it.

[@gus473]

👍🏼 My son's first cutter was the current USCGC Campbell, WMEC 909! She sure made a historic voyage earlier this year! ⚓ Semper Paratus! 😎✌🏼

[@cscam56]

A great story, well told. I served from 1969 to 2015 - from E-1 to O-6. It was a hoot.

[@JoshuaTootell]

So you were that guy they always talked about. Boot to Capt 😂

[@cscam56]

@@JoshuaTootell I’m only one of many who were fortunate to have walked that path.

[@mystery10man]

@@cscam56 Thank you for your service

[@cscam56]

@@mystery10man Thank you. It was my honor to serve.

[@nuccten2227]

All the Captains I served with who were ex-enlisted were great. And I agree, it was a hoot. SCPO (Ret) 1970-91

[@hotshotrooster415]

As a coast guard veteran I found this video amazing

[@paulmontgomery4696]

Me too! When clicking on this video, "Tampa" was a name in a remembered line ("the Tampa and Dispatch") from our anthem, Semper Paratus. We jokingly referred to it as that Mighty Mouse sounding song when in Cape May for basic (Oscar/Papaw 148 - 1996). Indeed, this video about the USCGC Tampa is amazing. I've watched some of the History Guy's videos over the years, here and there, but just recently discovered his rich catalog of Coast Guard videos. I'm thankful to have found them as well as reading so many of the comments attached to them from other viewers and veterans like you.

[@turtlethailand]

Thank you! It means a lot to us Coasties and family to be remembered.

[@webbtrekker534]

During WW II The CG was looking for volunteers to fill spots the CG was making as they withdrew personnel from the west coast in preparation for the invasion of Japan. My draft exempt father (he worked for the railroads) volunteered. He kept his "day job" as well as did CG duty. I only learned about this after he had died in 1955. A few years ago I checked with the CG about any awards he may have been given. They sent me The American Campaign Medal and the WW II Victory Medal as well as his "Ruptured Duck" (honorable Service) Pin and CG Service pin. I don't know if he even realized he was eligible for these. They are now part of our family heritage.

[@vincepatton]

Always great to see stories of the Coast Guard by "The History Guy!" Great job as always!

[@PeteDriver530]

I was a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in the late '80s early '90s, all set to join the Coast Guard when a motorcycle accident ruined my enlistment. The USCG has always bore the burden of being the "forgotten service", and sadly there is a noticeable lack of stories and information on their history of service to this nation. Thank you to all who got to serve, and thank you History Guy for another great video

[@alancranford3398]

Thank you. My Uncle Steve was a Coast Guard warrant officer and served in the Vietnam Conflict. The Coast Guard has both extensive peacetime police work--and during war has equally extensive naval work.

[@gus473]

Not to mention full-time Search And Rescue, fisheries and marine protection and enforcement, weather patrol, resupply of America's Antarctic station, maintaing aids to navigation, and on and on....! ⚓ Semper Paratus!👍🏼😎✌🏼

[@mystery10man]

Please thank your Uncle for his service

[@joegibson4946]

Most people don't know that the Coast Guard served in Vietnam - doing coastal blockades, river patrols and even helicopter rescues. They would be shocked to learn that the only Coast Guard casualties in Vietnam was courtesy of the U.S. Air Force who then proceeded to blame the Coast Guard.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@@joegibson4946 That was truly honorable. I first found out about it on the History Channel. After my Honorable Discharge from the CG... CG was off the coast of Inchon in Korea as well. And the majority of Landing Craft Higgins boats on D-Day were piloted by CG coxswains

[@nuccten2227]

@@joegibson4946 Not the only casualties. I think there were 7 total, but 2 were on the Point Welcome when it was strafed by U.S. forces.

[@LargeBasstafarian]

Outstanding video. No idea the USCG patrolled the most dangerous waters the planet has ever seen to that point, and how politics denied them a purple heart for decades. Every American should know this story.

[@stevenstone2735]

Thank you so much for the story of the Tampa. So many are unaware of the CG's history in wartime. They also served. My service was from 1970 to 1974. Served my first year on WLV 612, which was stationed at Blunt's Reef off of Cape Mendocino CA. Many good lightship stories out there. I am somewhat envious of your CG flat hat. I have been looking for one for years with no luck. Thank you once again. Steve Stone SNHM USCG, 390 366.

[@dennisshoffner5201]

What a great episode! My uncle was in the Coast Guard during WWII. Until this episode I had almost no knowledge of that service’s history. Thanks for assembling it.

[@mantis10_surf85]

Thank you for the history lesson. I served on the Cutter Tampa (WMEC 902) straight out of boot camp in 1986-87. I am from Ormond Beach, FL and moved back here a few years after retiring from the CG. This is a great WWI, Coast Guard, and Florida story. Semper Paratus!!!

[@CalicoJackxx]

Thank you so much for this excellent report. As a Navy veteran from Tampa whose family has served our Country at sea during times of war for four generation's this story brought tears to my eyes BZ

[@grimreaper6557]

One of my dearest friend is a coastie you he served 20yrs as a member of the USCG you can see the pride he always had some wonderful stories of his adventures as a coastguardsman they are truely a breed of sailors beyond measure

[@markbullock3741]

A tearful story, and a credit to all of us that answered to the call, "Haze gray and underway.'

[@Chrism1042o]

Im from Pennsylvania and just happen to be in the Tampa area this morning what an awesome coincidence !!! Thanks THG

[@wallacebentley6655]

My dad used to say the Navy kidded them that the only qualification to be in the CG was to be over 6 ft tall in case your ship sank. But, it wasn't lost on any one that when the weather turned bad, the Navy headed in or the other way and the CG headed out. He was stationed, before the war, off the NE coast where they helped many a fisherman. Said if a fight ever broke out in a bar any fisherman there had the Coastie's back. He really loved the years, some very tough and dangerous, he had in the CG. Could always be seen wearing his Coast Guard Combat Veterans Assn. cap. Buried him with it. Served in every theater with pride. I have his old Chevy truck with a CG sticker in the back window and a plate on the front bumper. I'm 73 now and just don't think they make them like him any more. Lived thru a depression and a war, worked hard, raised a family and never complained about anything. A friend to anyone, a true Southern gentleman and a gentle man. Can't wait to see him again one day.

[@posterboyrob]

Thank you for a great piece of history. The Ferhman family does indeed retain their Chevrolet business today, it did begin as a bicycle shop. As a Hillsborough County resident thank you.

[@robnisch228]

My father served in the USCG in WWII.Running supplies in the South Pacific.

[@todabeach6961]

My dad as well, served on an Army FS ship.

[@garyacker7388]

Lot of guts guys ,truly brave men

[@seamasrigh2162]

My father and mother served in the USCG, he doing Atlantic anti-submarine patrols and my mother was a radio operator at the Woods Hole station.

[@robnisch228]

Was the USN Cor Caroli manned by USCG crew. Crater class freighter.

[@seamasrigh2162]

@@robnisch228 Hey Rob, according to Wikipedia AK-91"USS Cor Caroli (AK-91) was a Crater-class cargo ship commissioned by the US Navy for service in World War II and manned by a US Coast Guard crew. Cor Caroli was launched 19 March 1943 as SS Betsy Ross, MCE hull 476, by Permanente Metals Corporation, Yard No. 2, Richmond, California, under a Maritime Commission (MARCOM) contract; sponsored by Mrs. B.F. Hodglin; acquired by the Navy 31 March 1943; commissioned 16 April 1943, Lieutenant Commander James A. Lewis, USCGR, in command; and reported to the Pacific Fleet.[4]" There is a picture on the Wiki site listing for her.

[@lewis7315]

Thankyou for this episode...I served on Coast Guard Cutters for four years in the late 1960's.. "It was the Best of times and the worst of times" One of the ships I served on was , The CGC Escanaba, was the namesake of a cutter lost with all hands on convoy duty in WW2, much like the Tampa.. She was the pride and joy of Escanaba Michigan . The third CGC Escanaba serves today.... You might consider doing a program on the first Escanaba...And mentioning them all...

[@lewis7315]

@The History Guy: History Deserves to Be…▫️ Hey, I'm 73 I don't know about whats ap !!! I want my black rotary phone back!!!

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

90-96, and your info was something I'd not previously known... Thanks & Semper Paratus

[@extractedentertainment8213]

I served 2002-2010 and had never heard of this, thank you for making this video. The current USCGC Tampa is a 270’ medium endurance cutter and sister ship of mine, the USCGC Tahoma (WMEC 908).

[@cliff8669]

It is true. The Sea never gives up her dead. A deep and rich history of the United States Coast Guard.

[@perryhubbard3741]

I had Dr. Johnson at Alabama for a US Naval History class. Was an excellent professor and WW2 Coast Guard veteran.

[@joeees7790]

That makes me sad that my University lacked such an interesting class.

[@drunkpunk5393]

@@joeees7790 same!

[@tomkelly6833]

Thank you History Guy. Definitely history that deserves to be remembered.

[@dgolfer2]

Very interesting history. I work as a contractor for the Coast Guard. Seldom do we get any education on the service. I'm sure blue suiters get this kind of information. This was definitely enlightening. Thank you again THG for another wonderful segment and yes, more Coast Guard history that deserves to be remembered (along with weather and amateur radio too)

[@chiefpontiac1800]

A fine story HG. My mother has a bloodline that goes back to the Algonquin Indians in the Great Lakes region. She will get a kick out of this story. To me, there is no person greater than one who sacrifices one's life for their country. Semper Paratus!

[@dr.froghopper6711]

It’s a special act of love, isn’t it? A lot of good people die serving. Even in training, things happen that bring home the reality of the serious nature of the job being performed.

[@alecblunden8615]

Directly on point and contemporaneous, but far more realistic , is the last stanza of Wilfred Owen's Dulce et decorum est, which reads: If in some smothering dream you too could pace Behind the wagon that we flung him in, And watch the white writhing in his face, His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin; If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, - My friend, you would not tell with such high zest To children ardent for some desperate glory, The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori. It distresses me to see that the lessons of history are still being ignored.

[@sethsassy]

By that metric every dead Nazi is a hero. There is nothing good or glorious about dying for a government. Choose your words more carefully.

[@chiefpontiac1800]

@@sethsassy True, but I was only speaking of the folks that I have known or family, but I get your point.

[@canuck_gamer3359]

Not long ago I watched a fascinating documentary on the Smithsonian channel about the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. Very interesting and worthwhile! History Guy, I would love to see you create a video about the 40,000 Canadians who fought in the American Civil War. It's a little known part of history and it surely 'deserves to be remembered'! :)

[@torpedo8384]

A dear friend of mine joined the USCG as a Dolphin crew member, and I’ve always told my kids ‘wave at the Coast Guard chopper’ they are most likely of all the helo crews to see you. They’re not just anyone, they are guardian angels to everyone.

[@kiwibonsai2355]

Good to see, I saw the comment asking for you to cover this.. Nice P. S Your donation to the save the Texas fund has made me change my mind about the advertising on this channel. Respect 🇳🇿

[@kevinlesch9656]

The engagement ring part of the story was a great touch. Glad it's in his family but if it were my family I'd wish to know more than her first name.

[@davidmedeiros2856]

Thank you for this! Dad was a proud coastie ! Served on the USCG Eastwind!

[@living2ndchildhood347]

My Father-in-Law also was a plankowner and served on the USCGC EASTWIND during WW II. He did convoy escorts and Greenland Patrol, taking out Nazi Weather Stations. They also captured the Nazi icebreaking cargo ship EXTERSTEIN.

[@davidmedeiros2856]

Living2nd childhood cool! Dad was in 1958 to 1962. Did Greenland patrol and went to Antarctica for six months.

[@captainskippy6622]

Such a moving story. Thank you for helping us remember their lives and, unfortunately, their deaths for this great nation.

[@jamesbyrd468]

From a retired W4, thanks. Fair winds and following seas.

[@korbell1089]

Civilians and military tend to have a love/hate relationship with one another but I have never heard of such a close relationship that not only was the ship and crew was adopted by the city, they renamed the ship in honor of it! Thanks THG, and thank you to Tampa, both the ship and the city.

[@89128]

The Navy and the City of Long Beach Ca. have had that type of relationship. It hated the Navy but loved the income from the fleet.

[@frankbarnwell____]

Bristol is far away, the sinking long ago. Our fathers and brothers. Because I've a father and brother retired from the Coast Guard. Great one THG!

[@barrydysert2974]

Seeing their young faces. Hearing their names. Remembering their stories. Gone, but no longer forgotten! Thank you THG. Your work is vital to Humanity !:-) 🙏

[@shawnr771]

Thank you for the lesson. I saw the request for this in the comments and would like to thank that person also for suggesting the topic. Very moving. Sir, you have a way of providing the information and providing the proper sentiment. Thank you again for all you do. I hope you enjoyed your vacation in Texas.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

We did very much enjoy our visit to Texas.

[@shawnr771]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Well if the Gulf Coast temperature is anything like here. You might have just missed the broiler. The last two days were our first 100 plus days of the year.

[@MrHandy1]

To say I enjoyed watching this would not be entirely accurate since I finished with tears streaming down my face. So many young men who's futures were wiped out in a moment. I feel the pain of their families and I mourn their loss so many years ago. Thank you for this story. Your telling continues to amaze me with how much emotion it evokes. Again thank you.

[@landstormer4884]

My Grandfather served in the USCG in WWII on the USS Gulfport PF-20 doing much of the same duty as the Tampa. We are forever in their debt to the crew of the Tampa for paying the ultimate sacrifice.

[@geoffreysavitz1278]

"Surveyor" and "Narcissus," The "Eagle" and "Dispatch," The "Hudson" and the "Tampa," These names are hard to match; From Barrow's shores to Paraguay, Great Lakes or Ocean's wave, The Coast Guard fights through storms and winds To punish or to save. Thank you HG, the Coasties always need more love. The most unheard of branch, yet definitely very important to the history and preservation of this nation!

[@tadroid3858]

I noticed that some of the newspapers still cited the Tampa as a "Revenue Cutter", as the USCG was formed when the US Lifesaving Service merged with the Revenue Cutter Service.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Yes, the Miami was originally part of the Revenue Cutter Service.

[@QuasiTraction]

Ok, that kind of answered my question..

[@johnnydeville5701]

My grandfather was a proud Coastie. I have tremendous respect for our United States Coast Guard!

[@robertwelling691]

I have learned more history about the Coast Guard from watching your channel than in the 10 years I served with that branch! Really appreciate all your episodes and thank you for including the USCG in many of your stories. Semper Paratus!

[@nuccten2227]

I don't recall learning any history while at Cape May. But then I may have been asleep with my eyes open. Good times. X-Ray 13, Dec 1970

[@patrickcraig6032]

Thank you for telling the history of the Tampa.That ship is near and dear to all Coasties.We are taught in Boot Camp.RIP my Brothers,Fair winds and following seas.Semper Paratus.

[@nzablotny]

Thanks for all the Coast Guard love in your videos!

[@KingDD1997]

I’m from Tampa Bay and this episode has been very Intriguing. Thank you and Go Bucs

[@whysosyria1]

Go bucs

[@johnathantucker4191]

Another great and moving story. Interesting to wonder who the young lady was that gave back that ring. I suppose there should always be some things that remain mystery. Thanks for all you do THG team!

[@BCaldwell]

As a Tampa native.... I have to thank you for this one HG

[@xxnoxx-xp5bl]

This is a wonderful and moving video - thanks for the great work!

[@comsecone]

Another fantastic episode.

[@majorlee76251]

My favorite branch and I served in the USA and USAF.

[@mikekyle4076]

That has been one of the best short snippets of history I have watched from you yet

[@terrancecoard388]

A hunting buddy was USCG during Vietnam. He told us the Navy did blue water and the Coast Guards did shallow water and is why he piloted small boats up the deltas to drop off Army Rangers. He stayed with the boat armed with a 45ACP 1911 until their return. Every sound seemed amplified and thought to be a Vietcong. Check out the service of Green Acres Eddie Albert for some additional content on the Coast Guards.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Yes in Vietnam the Coast Guard was part of what was called operation market time. This was an operation to stop offshore smuggling traffic by the by the VC using junks and other vessels. This was combined with the riverine operation known as operation game warden. That's where the Navy pbrs went up and down the rivers and canals doing the same mission.

[@johnkelley9877]

Very well done and a fitting tribute to the men of the Tampa.

[@doriWyo]

Alex Haley, author of ROOTS, also served in The Coast Guard.

[@JoshuaTootell]

Also, The Dude himself: Jeff Bridges

[@living2ndchildhood347]

There now is a USCGC ALEX HALEY. It’s a 205’ (ex-salvage ship) WMEC & is stationed in Alaska.

[@doriWyo]

Living2nd life, very cool!

[@michaelmcdonald8877]

Wonderful video. Thank you. Mike McDonald, USCG, RM2, 1973 to 1977.

[@truecerium4924]

Many thanks for this broadcast. The role of the USCG in armed conflicts is often overlooked

[@obtel29]

Great story and History Lesson.

[@Mike-DuBose]

Thanks for the video History Guy!

[@jakeelks587]

Thank you for capturing our history. A lot of what we do gets overlooked in the present and forgotten in the past. Really proud to have served in the USCG.

[@UQRXD]

Thanks for service, USCG here too heavy SAR.

[@matthewpoplawski8740]

AS ALWAYS THE HISTORY GUY, AN EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! I've noticed in the comments how the Coast Guard isn't mentioned a lot in war histories. This is true. Inspired by a comment I read ,I'd like to see a video about the MERCHANT MARINE and its service in World War I and II. A lot of those old Merchant sailors had been at sea for years, and not used to being shot at. During World War II,.when they were on the run to Murmansk or Archangel,.most of them knew that they may not come back, but, went anyway. Their history is DEFINITELY worth remembering.✌✌✌✌

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

History of the convoy PQ17 ... ?

[@MGSSAB]

I have lived in Tampa all my life and thank you very much for this video.

[@joefrank7159]

Thank you!

[@mystery10man]

As one born in Tampa Florida, thanks for this episode and bringing history alive. Brave men who gave all for my freedom

[@OldSkoolSP]

Semper Paratus and BZ, Coasties. You guys rock.

[@josephcameron530]

This story brought me to tears...literally. Thank you for sharing their memory.

[@terrybennett2982]

HG - Thank you for this documentary. As a Coast Guard veteran, this story is very moving. It is also a reminder that Coasties are in Service and on patrol at this very moment. Semper Peratus Tampa Crew! Never forget. #uscgstrong

[@63bplumb]

Stellar piece. God Bless all the men and women in the Services! Coast Guard is the oldest service in the American military. I knew the minute that THG started naming off all the brothers and young men on board the Tampa this was Not going to end happy. Brave Service! Sad loss!

[@MajorJakas]

No, the Army is the oldest military branch that America has established.

[@cscam56]

The Coast Guard is the oldest continuous sea service.

[@63bplumb]

@@MajorJakas I sit corrected. However my Intention was to Honor the Coast Guard Service in my statement. Yes, I should have added "Sea Service".

[@28ebdh3udnav]

The USCG, the branch that is usually forgotten

[@gus473]

"Semper Forgttus!"

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@@gus473 CG vet .. LoL 😂

[@theidahotraveler]

Have a ball bearing on the way! Thanks for the info can’t wait to get it! Have a great mornin.

[@shanesnider8645]

Are you in Texas!!!?? I saw a short with you on the battleship. You better come check out all the spots in Galveston.!

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I am home now. I have an aunt and uncle in Galveston, and have been there many times.

[@shanesnider8645]

Honestly, with all the historical significance here on the island.. I knew you MUST have been here before. cheers my friend. awesome content

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

A tragic story, beautifully told - just as we've come to expect from the History Guy. Is there a finer storyteller on KZbin? I can't think of any.

[@jbart1411]

I am a long time viewer of your channel, and I live in Tampa, so thank you for this great story Joe Bartolotta

[@jimbeam3280]

A superb video THG. I once had the WW1 service medals of a Royal navy sailor by the name of Jefferies , who was lost in TAMPA. He was one of a small number of RN sailors onboard, en route to new postings.A search of the Orders decorations and medals department of London auctioneer Dix , Noonan and Webb,should dicover the sale (September 2013)

[@jokerz7936]

My Great Grandfather served on a Coast Guard Ship during the Great War/WWI. He was from Germany but married a Jewish girl from France and neither family was supportive of the marriage so they came to America. When the War started they already had started their family 3 girls and he wanted to support his new homeland. But he also didn't want to be put in a position where he might have to face his former countrymen face to face on the battlefield so he joined the Coast Guard. His family in Germany still considered him a traitor and never spoke to him again.

[@majestichotwings6974]

It’s sad to hear that, some people are just too stubborn to see reason, but these things happen. Can’t choose the family you are born into, and if they really held a grudge that long, he was probably better off just cutting ties and calling it there. At least that’s how I feel I’d handle such a situation.

[@em1osmurf]

some of my family were jewish, some JWs. my mother was fiery, and married a Marine--i followed a 300 year family tradition (father's side) and went into service. i gained a lot of support, but lost all the JWs. i still send money to plant trees in Israel, and fly the stars & stripes from my porch. No Regerts.

[@sidbell2722]

what a fascinating story!!!

[@saltynameredacted9117]

Looking sharp today, Mr. History Guy. 👍

[@mattmc5069]

Great video as always! I have one for you, not sure If you covered it yet but can you do one on the July 10th 1902 rolling mill coal mine disaster in johnstown Pennsylvania? They are very well known world wide for the 1889 flood, (as well as 2 other more major floods) but not this tragic accident in which 112 miners died. It's very close to another landmark they are known for, the worlds steepest vechler incline plane. This accident was one of several that caused the world to question safety in mines as a result. If you have covered this I'm not surprised if you haven't, this is a job for the history guy

[@bryantsemenza9703]

History Guy. Thank you once again for your dedication and research concerning the US Coast Guard. The USCGC Tampa was drilled into our basic training class (boot camp). Your research is spot on and I learned a bit more about some of the crew members. It’s unfortunate that the USCG has been overlooked throughout history. It has always been the mission of the USCG of Maritime National Defense for the US. Thanks again History Guy, from a retired Chief Petty Officer, US Coast Guard.

[@dlodortyjobs5618]

As a 13 year veteran of the Coast Guard I say thank you for this. Most people have little knowledge of what the USCG has done historically and currently does. Under funded, not loved, and unknown. Fair winds and following seas to you.

[@terranceolive6792]

Another great piece of forgotten history told with respect and dignity

[@thatpatrickguy3446]

Excellent story that brought tears to my eyes. History worth remembering.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

I am originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, and I used to be in the US Coast Guard. THANK YOU for presenting this video...👍👍

[@punditgi]

Another first rate video. The History Guy is at the top of his game.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Thanks!

[@gordonc2377]

Am happy to have found this video, it gave me more info that I already had a glimpse of. I served in the USCG in the 70’s and 80’s and had read about the Tampa’s history back then. Then I learned a little more when I lived in the Tampa Bay Area for 7 years. This video was so emotional for me to watch and am so happy the loss of these men has not been forgotten. On a happier note, the Gasparilla parade is a lot of fun and have been amongst the 1,500 plus fleets several times. The parade with its floats also is a blast! The buoy tender USCGC BLACKHAW WLB 390 I served on had seen lots of action during the Vietnam War.

[@Dbag5000]

I've lived in the Tampa area my entire life and have never heard this story, thank you so much for sharing it.

[@timfellows9898]

How timely to come on the eve of the Coast Guard festival here in Coast Guard City USA, Grand Haven, Michigan, where we honor the memory of the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba sunk on convoy duty in WWII with only two survivors. Thanks History Guy and thank you US Coast Guard.

[@larrybomber83]

I have read a book on the Coast Guard in WWII. They did lose a lot of people, and no one ever really talks about it unless you have been in the Coast Guard. They served just as honorably as any other branch of the military.

[@JoshuaTootell]

Serveds in every conflict, and I am pretty sure had lost someone in every conflict. Including the middle east.

[@joegibson4946]

The Coast Guard and its predecessors - The Revenue Marine and Revenue Cutter Service have served in every armed conflict the U.S. has been in since 1790. That includes the war with the Barbary Coast pirates (the Marines "from the shore of Tripoli" to the current war in the mideast. You want fascinating, THG should do an episode of the Revenue Cutter Harriet Lane and the RCS/CGC Bear (from the early 20th century),

[@webbtrekker534]

Douglas Munro, Only Coast Guardsman to get the Medal Of Honor: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Albert_Munro

[@joegibson4946]

@@JoshuaTootell Nathan Bruckenthal was killed along with two U.S. Navy sailors while intercepting a suicide boat on April 24, 2004. Bruckenthal was on his second tour in the Mideast when he died. He is buried at Arlington. The Coast Guard is naming a Sentinel class Cutter after him. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Bruckenthal

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@@joegibson4946 I saw on TV. Told my then wife if anyone says the CG doesn't do anything, tell em about this

[@jamesgoetzke9509]

I've lived in Tampa 40 years and didn't know this story. Great video

[@HM2SGT]

Because, don't all good stories involve Pirates? In this case the puddle pirates of the knee deep Navy! Semper Paratus USCG👍

[@jeffreyvb1]

ARRRRG!!!!

[@jwdernehl]

Love being a puddle pirate!

[@steadman1969]

I can't believe he didn't say it 😔

[@terrypaschal348]

Another wonderful video, thanks. Have you done one about Chief Joseph?

[@deepsea631]

Thank you! Great and sad story.