Petty Officer Third Class Nathan Bruckenthal is shown in this photo taken in 1998. Bruckenthal, 24, from Smithtown, NY, had been assigned to the assigned to Law Enforcement Detachment 403 from Tactical Law Enforcement Team South in Miami, Fla. He died of wounds suffered in an attack that began when suicide bombers in boats attacked pumping stations in the Persian Gulf. Bruckenthal is the first Coast Guardsman to die in combat since Vietnam.

AP Photo/Bruckenthal Family

Petty Officer Bruckenthal was a member of a "visit, board, search, and seizure" team attached to USS Firebolt.

Camp Patriot, Kuwait (Mar. 10, 2003) -- The U.S. Navy coastal patrol ship USS Firebolt (PC 10) sits moored in port displaying the "Don't Tread On Me" flag. The flag was authorized for all U.S. Navy ships by the Secretary of the Navy and will be displayed throughout the duration of the war on terror. USS Firebolt is currently forward deployed conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Arlo K. Abrahamson.

Petty Officer Bruckenthal, Petty Officer Third Class Joseph T. Ruggiero (who was injured in the incident) and five Navy sailors aboard a rigid hull inflatable boat were preparing to board a "Dhow" that had approached the Iraqi Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal when the explosion occurred. Two U.S. Navy sailors were also killed during the incident and three were wounded.
In this 2003 photo the "visit, board, search, and seizure" team from USS Firebolt heads toward a cargo vessel, or Dhow, in the North Arabian Gulf.

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chadwick Vann

A "Dhow" is a slow moving cargo vessel.

The "visit, board, search, and seizure" team from USS Firebolt heads toward a Dhow, in the North Arabian Gulf. The teams board and search each vessel that leaves the port city of Umm Qasr, Iraq, to look for illegal items or terrorist suspects. The Coast Guard and Navy have these teams forward deployed in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chadwick Vann

North Arabian Gulf, 19 July 2003 - Watch a Navy Marine Corps News video showing U. S. Coast Guard/U.S. Navy operations aboard USS Firebolt

ALCOAST 205/04
COMDTNOTE 01000
SUBJ: DC3 NATHAN BRUCKENTHAL, USCG

1. On 25 April, DC3 Nathan Bruckenthal and two USN sailors, PO1 Michael Pernaselli and PO2 Christopher Watts, were killed in the line of duty while conducting maritime intercept operations in the North Arabian Gulf.

2. DC3 Bruckenthal was a proud Coast Guardsman who served his country and his fellow man with honor and compassion. He willingly entered into harms way to protect our nation and his fellow servicemen from terrorists and to assist the people of Iraq as they pursue freedom and democracy. By his actions, he exemplified honor, respect and most especially, devotion to duty. We should never forget his sacrifices or the legacy he will leave behind. While no words can adequately console his wife, patty, or his parents during this very difficult time, I ask you to please keep the Bruckenthal family in your thoughts and prayers.

3. PO Bruckenthal will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at 1100 on 07 May 2004.

4. Operations permitting, Coast Guard units shall observe a moment of silence at 1100 on 07 May in memory of DC3 Bruckenthal and all our service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation with honor. All coast guard units, not underway, shall display the national ensign at half-mast from 1100 until 1300 on 07 May 2004.

5. In true Coast Guard fashion, numerous inquiries have been made regarding donations and letters of condolences for the Bruckenthal family. Donations should be sent to:

The Nathan Bruckenthal Memorial Trust Fund
P. O. Box Box 398
Northport, NY 11768

If any unit has already received donations, contact your servicing legal office for additional guidance. Letters of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
U. S. Coast Guard
Richmond Hts. MWR Rec. Center
15403 SW 123 Avenue
Miami, FL 33177
Attn: Family Of Nathan Bruckenthal

6. Internet release authorized.

7. Admiral Thomas H. Collins, Commandant.