A Coast Guard Hero Honored

Monday, June 21, 2010

Posted by: LT Connie Braesch

CHATHAM, Mass. - Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Mark "Mac" McKenney and David O'Connor, both former Coast Guardsmen aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Point Welcome, scatter former shipmate Chief Petty Officer Richard Patterson's ashes at sea from the deck of Coast Guard Cutter Tiger Shark off the coast of Chatham, Mass., Wednesday, June 16, 2010. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Connie Terrell.

A memorial service and burial at sea was held for a Vietnam War Era Coast Guard Hero, Chief Boatswains Mate Richard Patterson June 16.

BMC Patterson was a legendary Coastie honored for his heroic courage under fire when the CGC Point Welcome (WPB 82329) was attacked by friendly fire from U.S. Air Force aircraft near the demilitarized zone in South Vietnam on August 11, 1966. Chief Patterson saved the cutter and the surviving crew and was awarded a Bronze Star with the combat “V” device for his actions in a citation that reads:

“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.”

BMC Richard Patterson appears in the first row, right side of this photo taken during a memorial service for the Coast Guardsmen killed when U.S. Air Force aircraft mistakenly strafed and bombed the USCGC Point Welcome on the night of 11 August 1966, while the cutter was on patrol near the border between North and South Vietnam. The photo was donated to the Coast Guard Historian's Office by BMC Richard Patterson, USCG (Ret.).

Chief Patterson succumbed to cancer on April 12, 2010, surrounded by family and friends.

Chief Patterson’s remains were scattered at sea from the CGC Tiger Shark following a memorial service at Coast Guard Station Chatham, Massachusetts.

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  • Celeste Zipperer

    A fine man under fire, he saved lives that day. Bless him in his rest, and our prayers to his family who miss him most.

  • Casey Ranel

    It’s an honor to serve in the same service as did BMC Patterson.

  • J. Bunty

    Truly a hero and born leader. May he rest in peace. It is a shame we do not give these service members the credit, attention, and honor that we give to professional atheletes, politicians, and entertainers.

  • Peter Stinson

    J. Bunty, amen.

  • A. Boucher

    We have the watch Chief – rest in peace.

  • G HIZZY

    I was station onboard a 110ft WBP during the beginning to the invasion of Iraq war, May 2003. My vessel engaged in combat operations but never took on any fire from FRIEND OR FOE. I find it quit unbelievable when BMC Patterson was so heroic in Nature and only Bronze Star. I am perplexed at how to explain for the commanding officer of my boat who left with a Bronze Star too? How do you explain the political disconnect in the irony of enlisted vs O.

  • A.Palazzo,MSgt, USAF Ret.

    I am proud to have my son serving in the US Coast Guard. Stories like this should be “must reads” for those who are serving today. God knows these are the real heros of our nation.

  • Kim Harker

    Richard Patterson was and is a GREAT man he’s my grandfather I never really think about the thing he has done in the Coast Guard but he is the BEST grandfather anyone could ask for! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!

  • Patricia Meyer

    To Kim Harker,

    I read the story of your Grandfather, yes he was a great man and a great American and Coast Guard Hero. Be proud of him and if you can try to find out more about him.

    I lost my Grandfather when I was 7 years old and never really had the opportunity to know him. A few years ago I decided to try to find our more about him. I was amazed at what I found of his military history during World War I.

    I have wonderful memories of the brief time I could share with him on this earth and I am extremely proud of the life he lived and of his accomplishments.

    To you and your family our condolences and prayers.

    You have a wonderful Grandfather!

  • Baby Boats

    ….Semper Paratus. Fair winds and following seas, Amen.

  • ETCM Virgil Williams (Retired)

    Chief Patterson will always be my hero, if it had not been for him I would probable not be alive today.