Coast Guard
Robert Welling, Yeoman 1st Class. Enlisting in 1978, Robert went to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy after boot camp and trained to be a ships clerk and later was able to instruct other Coasties to do the same. After 10 years of service, Robert gained employment with the U.S. Postal Service. “Semper Paratus” or “Always Ready” is the U.S. Coast Guard Motto. Since 1790, as a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Coast Guard which has over 50,000 members, a fleet of 259 Cutters, 200 Aircraft and 1600 boats, protect more than 95000 miles of U.S. coastline. It’s the principal Federal Agency responsible for Maritime safety, security and environmental stewardship.
U.S. Coast Guard Facts:
• Members of the Coast Guard have served in17 wars and conflicts throughout U.S. history.
• Anthony Christy was the longest and oldest active serving Coast Guard member, Keeper of the Christina Lighthouse in Delaware, Christy died on duty in September 1862 at the age of 105 yrs.
• Since 2003, the Coast Guard has been operating as part of the Department of Homeland Security.
• The 1st woman ever enlisted as regulars was made up of 33 all female recruits. In 1974, thirty of these women graduated.
• The Coast Guard has authorized a total of 43 battle streamers which are attached to the Coast Guard standard, replacing cords and tassels.
• Until the U.S. Navy was re-established in 1797, the Coast Guard was the only naval service in the country.
Medal of Honor:
One man was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for an act of “extraordinary heroism” during WWII. Douglas Albert Munro, volunteered for military service just prior to the U.S. entering WWII. During the Guadalcanal Campaign in Sept. 1942, he led the extrication of a force of Marines whose position had been overrun by Japanese forces. He died of a gunshot wound at the base of his skull at 22 years of age. While using the Higgins boat that he was piloting to shield a landing craft filled with Marines from Japanese fire.
