One of the Coast Guard's s “finest days” was February 18, 1952 when the 16,000-ton tanker SS Pendleton split in two in a gale near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The ship's two sections drifted apart in the 60-foot seas. 

Sighting the stern section, Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Bernard Webber led Engineman 3rd Class Andrew Fitzgerald and Seamen Richard Livesey and Ervin Maske in saving 32 of the 33 men from the stern. The crew of the rescue boat had to constantly adjust to stay under the ladder from the wreck, with the crew timing their jump off the ladder to the Coast Guard boat. 

The only fatality from the stern section occurred when the cook fell in the sea and was hit by the Pendleton, killing him instantly. The eight crewmen from the bow section, including the captain, died. At the same time the USCG also responded to the break up of the SS Fort Mercer.

For the daring rescue, all four Coasties were awarded the Coast Guard’s Gold Lifesaving Medal.

Livesey went on to serve during Vietnam. He died in 2007.

The SS Pendleton sinking. It's daylight, only 1/4 of the right front side is above the water

News article with a picture of the sinking tanker

picture of the rescue boat used. Most of it is covered with high bow. four men are aboard

Some of the crew from the SS Pendleton after rescue. They sit around a table drinking coffee

News article detailing the honors the Coast Guardsmen received 

RICHARD PAUL LIVESEY

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