Editor ’ s Note : In part one of this series , which can be found HERE , Engineman Second Class Andy Fitzgerald recounted how he became a member of the crew of motor lifeboat CG 36500 , featured in the Disney Studios film The Finest Hours . Fitzgerald is the only surviving member of the crew .
Your Fines
Bringing The L
Story by H W . Smith
This article , and the one that preceded it , looks at the desire to serve through the example of a Coast Guard crew that served with distinction in the most dire of circumstances . It seeks to consider what happens when the abstract desire to serve becomes heroically real .
It is in those stories that the bedrock Coast Guard values of , “ Honor , Respect and Devotion to Duty ,” shine brightest . It is in the legendary actions of Coast Guard heroes that answers to the question of service before self can be found , particularly when times get tough .
The Rescue
What follows are some of Fitzgerald ’ s memories of the rescue as were related during an interview conducted by Chief Petty Officer Stanley Ritter ( SR ), Master Chief Petty Officer Jack Hunter , USCG ( Ret ) ( JH ) and Auxiliarist and Public Affairs Specialist 1 , Patrick
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Hickey ( PH ). Fitzgerald ’ s comments have been edited for clarity and are only a part of a longer interview that has been preserved . ( Ed .)
Fitzgerald continues his account , saying :
AF Now Bernie Webber was one of the best coxswains in the Coast Guard . I knew that . And the 36500 was one of the best 36 footers , I mean : flip over and come back up . I knew that , so I really wanted to go on that rescue . So , I got on there … they are looking around , I am looking around . I said , there are no engine rooms around here , so do you mind if I go to the bathroom ? That never came up so I was all right .
USCG Photo
USCG Photo
On February 18 , 1952 during a full-scale ‘ Nor ’ easter ’ gale with snow and 5:50 a . m . At the time of the break , the vessel ’ s circuit breakers tripped to operate normally , including all machinery and lighting . Gone with other crewmen , all destined to perish . Part of the bow section would b
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NAVIGATO