USCGC POINT WELCOME REMEMBERED

A TARGET OF OPPORTUNITY - VIETNAM 1966

IN MEMORY ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY 2012

Chief Patterson succumbed to cancer on April 12, 2010.  On June 16, 2010, a memorial service and burial at sea was held for this Vietnam War Era Coast Guard Hero, Chief Boatswains Mate Richard Patterson.  BMC Patterson was a legendary Coastie honored for his heroic courage under fire when the CGC Point Welcome (WPB 82329) was attacked by friendly fire from U.S. Air Force aircraft near the demilitarized zone in South Vietnam on August 11, 1966. Chief Patterson saved the cutter and the surviving crew and was awarded a Bronze Star with the combat “V” device for his actions.

TO ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN EVERYTHING

REST IN PEACE -