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“When I say Americans, I mean all Americans!” — Segregation’s take-down by President Harry Truman
—On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed a pair of executive orders, the combination of which banned racial segregation in the armed forces and federal civil service. This article offers context on this occurrence and explores their significance more than 75 years after being signed.
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Lewis Wescott—the lost grave of a heroic Pea Island lifesaver
—Nearly lost to history, the grave of Capt. Lewis Wescott is discovered in the underbrush in Jarvisburg, North Carolina.
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Melvin Williams, Jr.—An African American Coast Guardsman’s aviation story
—After hearing about a ship rescued by the United States Coast Guard, Melvin Williams, Jr. knew that would be his path in life and enlisted in the Coast Guard.
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First to serve, first to fight and first to sacrifice—African Americans in the U.S. Coast Guard
—The history of African American participation in the Coast Guard and its predecessor services dates back to the very founding of the Service in 1790.
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Coast Guard pioneers the marine radio over 100 years ago!
—On Aug. 23, 1899, the terse message: “Sherman is sighted,” announced the return of the troopship after the Spanish-American War. Transmitted from Lightship 70, this message was the first wireless ship-to-shore telegraph message in U.S. history.
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Built to Last—The early days of the 210-foot cutter fleet
—Despite their vintage, the iconic Reliance class cutters and their dedicated crews continue to carry out Coast Guard lifesaving, law enforcement, and homeland security missions.
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1957—First U.S. transit of the Northwest Passage
—The story of how three United States Coast Guard cutters successfully break through and officially chart what had become known as the fabled Northwest Passage.
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Merry Christmas from the Galley! — the Coast Guard’s collection of vintage Christmas Menus
—Over the years, various Coast Guard cutters have celebrated Christmas either in port or at sea. Being away from home and family no doubt left a void as evidenced by letters written home. Commanding officers allowed the observance of Christmas with a dinner with all the trimmings. Some men would go ashore and celebrate Christmas while on liberty; others chose to remain on board. Oftentimes, cutter logbooks would say “omitted general quarters on account of holiday” as the only mention of any Christmas celebrations. It was just another day on board.