William H. Thiesen, Ph.D.

On Sept. 12, 1944, the liberty ship George Ade was torpedoed off Cape Hatteras, N.C., by German Sub U-518. Coast Guard Cutters Jackson and Bedloe were sent out on a rescue mission during a hurricane. The mission ended with the loss of both cutters, including 21 of 22 officers and enlisted personnel.

USCG Atlantic area historian, William H. Thiesen, Ph.D. recalls the heroic rescue of the Cutter Escanaba shortly before her sinking.

A historical overview of how the United States Coast Guard's revenue cutters were deployed during the Civil War.