The Official US Coast Guard Page on the Pendleton and Fort Mercer wrecks

PENDLETON AND FORT MERCER RESCUE - FEBRUARY 18TH, 1952

The strong Nor'easter that ravaged the Cape Cod coast in February 1952 produced a maelstrom for the Coast Guard in New England.  Stricken mariner's sent out SOS's up and down the coast.  These calls were answered by the brave crews of both Coast Guard Cutters and small boat stations on Cape Cod.  Bernie Webber described it as "a day in which few would remain untouched in one way or another by the events that took place"

The Coast Guard Historian's Office documents the rescues well, and by clicking on the following links you can read more of the heroic efforts during that storm.

Coast Guard Historian Office Pendleton/Ft Mercer Page

Official press release for Medal Ceremony (Scan Courtesy of Sandy Howerton) PDF file

Comments by Vice Admiral Merlin O'Neill, Commandant at the 1952 Medal Ceremony.  (Scan Courtesy of Sandy Howerton) PDF file