This Day in Coast Guard History – August 18

1899-Surfman Rasmus S. Midgett of the Gull Shoal Life-Saving Station in North Carolina single-handedly rescued 10 people from the grounded barkentine Priscilla.  Midgett was awarded the Gold Life-Saving Medal for his heroic actions.

1941-Coast Guard charged by Congress with enforcing a law to protect war-lanes in Alaskan waters.
1983- Hurricane Alicia came ashore at Houston, Texas.  Coast Guard units responded
to calls for assistance.

(Source: USCG Historian’s Office)