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7-MAY-2004 USCG photo - PA John Gaffney

IN MEMORIAM for DC3 Nathan Bruckenthal, USCG

Arlington National Cemetary


Photo description: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Va. (MAY 7, 2004) --A lone Coast Guard Auxiliarist plays taps during the funeral of DC3 Nathan Bruckenthal at Arlington National Cemetery. DC3 Bruckenthal was the first Coast Guard casualty during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Photo by PA1 John Gaffney, USCG

FIRST COAST GUARDSMAN KILLED IN COMBAT SINCE VIET NAM
By PA2 Judy L. Silverstein. Seventh District Public Affairs Team

MIAMI, FL. -A boat explosion in Iraq inflicted the U.S. Coast Guard's first wartime loss of life since the Vietnam War. One other Coasty was injured in the Apr. 24, 2004 explosion at the Iraqi Khawr Al Amaya oil terminal in the early evening hours of that fateful day.

Friends say Nathan Bruckenthal, 24, dreamed of going to sea, serving his country and being in law enforcement. Last month, he died in pursuit of that dream.

A member of Tactical Law Enforcement Team South in Miami, Fla., the third class Petty Officer was deployed as part of a detachment to Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. It was his second assignment in a year to the area in just over a year. With more than half of his 90-day deployment behind him, Bruckenthal was scheduled to return home in June. Intrigued by a career in law enforcement, the Long Island, N.Y. native had followed his father’s career path.

As a dhow approached the oil terminal in the Persian Gulf, in the early evening hours of April 24, Bruckenthal was accompanied by one other Coast Guardsman and five sailors from the United States Navy as the group boarded a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), taking off in pursuit. Bruckenthal was trained as a both a boarding team member and boarding officer.

“This mission was considered routine enforcement of the security zone,” said TACLET South Commanding Officer Glenn F. Grahl. “Their job was to prevent any incursions into the security zone,” he said.

As the crew was poised to board the dhow, an explosion was detonated. Two Navy sailors were also killed in the attack, while another Coastie was injured.

Bruckenthal will be remembered for his easy, outgoing style, said Grahl. Though 6'2", 220 pounds, his affability belied his size.

“In the early days of the war last year, Nate boarded an Iraqi tug laying mines,” said Grahl. “His experience, his training and his people skills led to his selection for our training staff following this deployment,” he said. “Nate was jovial, he was intense and he was a dedicated professional.”

Bruckenthal’s death has affected the Coast Guard family and those beyond the confines of the Coast Guard family, notes Grahl. Arriving early at Arlington National Cemetery, May 6, Grahl took in the solemn traditions as horse-drawn carriages and honor guards filed past. The numbers of those who came to honor Bruckenthal was meaningful, said Grahl.

“I watched as cars, vans and buses pulled up to pay tribute to Nate. There were 'A' school formations, police departments forming up in rank, and more than 700 people in uniform and in civilian clothes, paying their respects. It was a fitting tribute,” he said, describing Bruckenthal as a “modern day hero.”

"I am extremely saddened by the loss of Petty Officer Nathan Bruckenthal who was killed by terrorists while bravely serving his country in Iraq," said Vice Adm. James D. Hull, Coast Guard Atlantic Area Commander. "I sincerely hope that his family and friends can find a little comfort knowing that he died a hero."

Grahl turns reflective. “25 years ago, my wife and I would never have imagined my military career would call upon us to walk up somebody’s driveway with a chaplain and inform a wife their loved one had passed.” His daily routine now includes contact with Bruckenthal’s widow Patti, and encouraging members of his unit to discuss the impact of the tragedy and the dangers they face. The April 29 memorial service at Air Station Opa Locka helped the unit with closure, as did the funeral and interment at Arlington National Cemetery, May 7, 2004.

Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta offered condolences to the family following a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps at Arlington National Cemetery. Adm. Thomas H. Collins also gave Bruckenthal’s wife Patti the meticulously folded American flag that draped her husband’s coffin.

The couple met in Washington State while Patti worked on an Indian reservation studying Native American culture. They were married two years ago. On the day of her husband’s service she was also given an orange, yellow, turquoise and black blanket carried east by two Coast Guard officers from Neah Bay where the community is closely-knit. The blanket was a gift from the Makah Indian Tribe, transmitting the communal sense of loss they feel.

Though new to the tribal tradition, Grahl said, “the blanket was wrapped around Patti’s shoulders at the service May 6 in Herndon, Va. “It symbolizes a coming together in protection and in warmth.” Patti remained wrapped in the blanket at the evening service.

Grahl said his unit would continue daily contact with the widow who is expecting the couple’s first child in about six months.

ED. NOTE: A memorial fund in honor of Petty Officer Nathan Bruckenthal has been established. Please make checks payable to the Nathan Bruckenthal Memorial trust Fund, P.O.B. 398, Northport, N.Y, 11768. All checks, money orders and cards should be mailed to that address. Proceeds will be given to his widow and family.


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A complete biography and numerous photos:
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/nbbruckenthal.htm


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