This Day in Coast Guard History – May 3

1882-The Treasury Department reported that the crew of the cutter Oliver Wolcott deserted their ship.  No reason was given for this mass desertion.

1885-The Navy transferred the USS Bear to the Revenue Cutter Service.  The Bear became one of the most famous cutters to sail under the Revenue Cutter & Coast Guard ensigns.

1944- An acoustic torpedo fired by the U-371 hit and destroyed the stern of the Coast Guard-manned destroyer escort USS Menges while she was escorting a convoy in the Mediterranean, killing thirty-one of her crew. [see 4 May 1944 entry]  The Menges was later repaired and returned to service.  She assisted in the sinking of the U-866 on 19 March 1945.

(Source: USCG Historian’s Office)