05/30/2022
This Memorial Day Coast Guard Station Neah Bay honors and remembers a former crew member that died while serving their nation. DC3 Nathan Bruckenthal was stationed at Coast Guard Station Neah Bay from 2001 to 2003. During this time he made a lasting impact on the local community. Serving alongside his shipmates at the station and helping the town of Neah Bay as a volunteer EMT, Reserve Police Officer and assistant coach for local sports teams.
After transferring from Station Neah Bay in 2003 Bruckenthal would go on to serve his country and the Coast Guard in Operation Iraqi Freedom, it was during this tour that he was killed in action while serving as part of Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. On April 24th 2004, while serving aboard USS Firebolt, Petty Officer 3rd Class Bruckenthal, a damage controlman, and two U. S. Navy sailors were killed in the line of duty while conducting maritime intercept operations in the North Arabian Gulf.
Bruckenthal and six other coalition sailors attempted to board a small boat near the Iraqi Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal. As they boarded the boat, it exploded. Bruckenthal later died from the wounds he sustained in the explosion. Bruckenthal was the first Coast Guard member killed in action since the Vietnam War. For his actions Bruckenthal was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”.
His Bronze Star Medal citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Damage Controlman Third Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal, United States Coast Guard, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Boarding Officer with U.S.S. FIREBOLT (PC-10) and the United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 403 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 24 April 2004. While patrolling the security zone around the Al Basra Oil Terminal in Iraqi territorial waters, Petty Officer Bruckenthal detected a small, unidentified dhow proceeding towards the Oil Terminal. After maneuvering the tram to screen the oil terminal, Petty Officer Bruckenthal approached the dhow to investigate its actions. As the boarding team drew alongside the dhow, the attacker on board the vessel, realizing he had been discovered, detonated explosives packed on board, mortally wounding Petty Officer Bruckenthal. The explosion alerted all in the area to an ongoing coordinated attack, allowing security forces to destroy two additional explosive laden vessels, thereby preventing massive casualties, irreversible environmental damage, and the destruction of the Iraqi peoples’ major economic lifelines. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions and exceptional dedication to duty, Petty Officer Bruckenthal reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Coast Guard and the United States Naval Service.
The USCGC Nathan B. Bruckenthal, the Coast Guard's newest fast-response cutter, was commissioned in Alexandria, VA on July 25, 2018.
“Nathan Bruckenthal – a name recognized throughout the Service – bridges our rich history with the yet to be written future of this modern cutter." Admiral Karl Schultz- Commandant United States Coast Guard.
You will always be remembered Shipmate. 🇺🇸
