1st Coastie Killed in Iraq (OT)
 

Ed the Coastie 05-01-2004, 12:23 PM I just heard about this...


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Damage Controlman Third Class Nathan Bruckenthal...was the first Coast Guardsman killed in action since the Vietnam War.


Bruckenthal was aboard a six-man boat that was sent to intercept three explosive-laden dhows...that were heading to the (Al-Basra oil) terminals Saturday night.


One of the dhows exploded as Bruckenthal's boat drew near to inspect it. The blast flipped the boat over, killing two U.S. Navy sailors immediately. Bruckenthal died of his injuries yesterday morning.


During his six years with the guard, Bruckenthal became a member of its Tactical Law Enforcement Team, which boards boats to search for contraband.


This was his second tour in Iraq...He was lent to the Navy because of his expertise in boarding boats.


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A lot of people don't realize that Coasties go into harm's way just like the rest of the military. There was even a Coast Guardsman (Douglas Monroe) who was awarded the Medal of Honor in WWII.


Posthumously.

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TiggerCCW UK 05-01-2004, 07:03 PM Its always a tradgedy when any nation sends its young men into harms way, especially when they aren't what would always be considered combatants. My country has seen too many years senseless slaughter. Can't we progress beyond this? Shipmate Bruckenthal my thoughts are with your family.

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evilmike 05-02-2004, 10:55 PM We Marines have nothing but the utmost respect for the Coast Guard.


It is an honor and a priviledge to serve with them...they are, in every sense of the word, professionals.

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