1789-An act of Congress provided for the registering and clearing of vessels and the regulation of the coastwise trade, thus laying the foundation of American navigation laws which, until 1912, embodied the marine policy of the United States. 1894-An armed guard of Revenue Cutter Service personnel were placed on the Pribiloff Islands to protect seals. 1938-The Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the Maritime Service. 1939-The armed forces of Nazi Germany invaded Poland, beginning World War II. 1942- On 1 September 1942 Joseph C. Jenkins was given a temporary promotion to warrant officer (Boatswain); becoming the first African-American warrant officer in the Coast Guard.