Point Deception
Suspense Storytelling at its Best
A Thriller With a Different Twist
PHOTO GALLERY
A Salute to the Fallen
Photo No. CPI-03-10-66 (07); 10 March 1966; F. Borzage, PHC Photographer
Photo No. CPI-03-01-06 (16); 1 March 1966;
No Credit Except LORSTA Tan My
Photographer Unknown
Photographer Unknown
From CG Historian's Office
Photo by Frank Wollard
Memorial Service Honoring
LTJG David C. Brostrom USCG
And
EN2 Jerry Phillips USCG
KIA 11 AUG 1966
Coasties On The Wall
By Dolly Juhlin (1997)
On a mission far from home
Not knowing what would be
They sacrificed the ultimate
Heroes for you and me -
Ever ready to go forth
Who would know their end
Atta boy's are silent now
Let's not forget these men -
Long ago they sailed away BMC Richard "Pat" Patterson
When the cutter came under attack by friendly aircraft in August, 1965 just south of the demilitarized zone in South Vietnam. The first attack caused a blazing gasoline fire on the fantail of the cutter that threatened to engulf the entire after section of the vessel. Chief Patterson, displaying the finest qualities of bravery and leadership, took charge of the situation and using a fire hose, forced the flaming liquid over the side, thus extinguishing the fire. Even as he was accomplishing this task, he saw the second aircraft attack rip through the pilot house killing the cutter's commanding officer and seriously wounding the executive officer and the helmsman. Unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Chief Patterson climbed to the bridge and took command. He ordered the crew to carry the wounded to the comparative safety of the below decks area. Alone on the bridge, he then maneuvered the cutter at high speed to avoid subsequent attacks. When it became apparent that he could not successfully evade the attacking aircraft, he ran the cutter close ashore, and directed the crew to abandon ship. Under his composed leadership, the wounded were wrapped in life jackets and paired with the able bodied before going over the side. Chief Patterson kept his crew calm and organized while they were in the water and until they were picked up by rescue craft. The Navy Department awarded him the bronze star with the combat "V" device for his actions. Sadly Chief Patterson Crossed the Bar 12 April 2010. See the Announcement Page for more information. Chief Pat is a true Coast Guard hero; his passing leaves an nonrefillable void in the Coast Guard community.
From CG Historian's Office Chief Pat's award ceremony for the Bronze Star Medal with V device on a buoy tender moored in Da Nang, possibly the USCGC Blackhaw. From CG Historian's Office
To a different port of call
Do salute them silently
Coasties one and all.
From CG Historian's Office
Source not given
Photographer ET2 Terry Hill
Photographer ET2 Terry Hill
Jolly Green Air Force Rescue Heliocopter Some Were Flown by Coast Guard Pilots Attached to USAF 37th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
Lieutenant Jack Columbus Rittichier, USCG was the first Coast Guard KIA (from hostile fire) in the Vietnam War; he died in the crash when his Jolly Green was shot down on 9 June 1968. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action. Lieutenant Rittichier's body was not recovered at the time of his death; accordingly he was listed as MIA for over three decades until his remains were finally discovered at the crash site and returned to the United States for burial with the highest military honors.
Lieutenant Rittichier (Right)
There is no greater selfless act than to give one's life to save that of a stranger.
All the rest are safe and sound;
Just one remains to be saved;
You have to go out;
This is who you are;
You're a Rescue Warrior;
You're a Coastie;
Semper Paratus is your Motto;
So Others May Live;
Your Sacred Pledge.
Jim Gilliam
