Memorial Remembers Cuttermen Who Made Ultimate Sacrifice

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Posted by: CDR Glynn Smith

Cutterman's Memorial

Coast Guardsmen and civilian employees get a look at the new Cutterman's Memorial, which was unveiled during a ceremony at Coast Guard Headquarters Oct. 20, 2010, in Washington D.C. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Second Class Patrick Kelley.

The new Cutterman’s Memorial, dedicated to those lost in the line of duty while serving aboard our cutters, was dedicated at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. today. Etched into the Memorial’s six granite panels are the names of the fallen and the ships they served in, along with the poem “Hurrah for the Sea” and a cutterman’s insignia. Set into the background are some of the cutters and battle streamers.

Cuttermans Memorial

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Robert Papp, and other Coast Guardsmen study the new Cutterman's Memorial. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Second Class Patrick Kelley.

“These shipmates were simply doing their duty, performing the mission,” said Adm. Bob Papp, commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. “They gave everything to our Service and Nation. This Memorial is a small token of our appreciation. We can never forget them.”

Coast Guard cuttermen are a proud group with a long history of service to our Nation that dates back to the first cutter, believed to be Vigilant, which was launched in March 1791. ADM Papp’s words highlight a stark reality known and shared by all cuttermen who operate in a dynamic and demanding environment at sea. While we honor and remember all shipmates lost in the line of duty, the Memorial was established to remember those who gave their lives aboard cutters in service of their country.

The Coast Guard has operated more than a thousand different cutters across its 220 year history. They span the age of wind driven sail, steam powered paddle wheels, and diesel-electric driven propellers. They saw intense action in war and peace, operating in all corners of the globe. They also include legendary names like Eagle, Bear, Hudson, and Tampa. But behind all of the technology, operations and exploits; are the people: the cuttermen.

“When I entered the Coast Guard Academy, all I wanted to do was be a cutterman,” said Papp. “I spent much of my career at sea fulfilling the responsibilities of our Service. I could not have imagined doing anything else.”

Adm. Papp and MCPO Pugh

Adm. Robert Papp, thanks Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Pugh for organizing the unveiling of the Memorial. U.S. Coast Guard photo by PA2 Patrick Kelley.

And while cuttermen have performed great feats in service to our Nation, they have also known great sacrifice. We have lost 124 vessels, 83 of which were during wartime operations. Since 1917, 1242 cuttermen, our shipmates, have made the ultimate sacrifice. Among them, 11 crewmembers of the Coast Guard Cutter Cuyahoga, which was lost 32 years ago today at 8:45 p.m. near the mouth of the Potomac River in a collision with the 521-foot Argentinean bulk freighter Santa Cruz II.

“Our work is difficult and sometimes dangerous,” said Papp, adding, “The sea is unforgiving—it always has been.”

  • Joe Fierro, BM1/LT, USCG (Ret.)

    I join the ranks of others who offer a sharp “hand salute” to those honored in this memorial. Please accept my warmest appreciation to everyone who made the Cutterman’s Memorial possible ~ from a fellow Permanent Cutterman (Enlisted).

  • BILL BAILEY

    YOUR MEN OF HONOR RESPECT BEYOUND THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF BELIEF THINGS SEEN,THINGS TOLD AND LIFE REMEMBERED,THERE WHEN TIMES COUNTS THE MOST,THERE WHEN EVERY SECOND SEEMS LIKE AN HOUR,AND MOST OF ALL!
    YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER AND NEVER FORGET,FRIENDS ARE FOREVER PROTECT AND SERVE WITH PRIDE GOD BLESS AT GODS SPEED…

    PS, DONT DRINK SO MUCH COFFE IT WILL MAKE YOU OLD! HAVE A GOOD DAY!

    YOUR FRIEND BILL…

  • Steve Gray

    It is about time we got our own memorial to get the word out to people that we serve to and we also loose good men.

    Great job for all of those whom put this together.

    ~Steve~

  • Chris

    Good Stuff and God Bless all those that are named…

    BTW, I think that’s my old CO, CAPT DeLaurentis in that first pic…

  • Seatroll

    As with others of you reading this, I know names that are on those plaques, names that I will never forget as they were and are shipmates! A moment in time a stroke of fate and that is all I have left of them.

    Thank you CPO PUGH and the others that assited you, Thank you ADM for beginning much needed recognition of the sacrifices of working the deckplates. It is another example of how we begin to value our people.

    TO ALL

    BZ

    Strike eight bells end thier watch and begin yours!

  • dave lopez

    thanks to all who are responsible for this. we have all been at the brink while doing our job on cutters and small boats alike. we have all gave some,but some have given all. bravo zulu to all…

  • MECS Scott Pugh

    @ Seatroll (and all) – you are more than welcome. It was a daunting task, but a huge honor to put together the memorial. The CG Headquarters Graphic Artist that helped with the layout and the vendor did a great job on the finished product.

  • Jeffrey Wood, RT(R) CRT(F)

    Thank you so much for this tribute. I am RM1OC Bruce Wood’s brother, who was lost on the USCGC Cuyahoga that evening. I was an active-duty Coast Guardsman on that fateful night. “You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back” is what my brother, myself and all of you live by. I still do, saving lives in my civilian life now, because of the what the Coast Guard taught me. I am ever-more proud of the U.S. Coast Guardsmen, who willingly place their life at risk to save others in peril. And I solemnly honor in memory, and prayer, those who went before us to give their all, their life. There is no greater reward than the call of duty, to protect, and to save another life…even at the cost of your own. Those of you who are active duty, be reminded that no matter how small your task today, in the scheme of it all, you have all saved that next life.