How a World Class Coast Guard Rescuer Sank a DUKW — And Still Pulled Off an Extraordinary Rescue

Bernie Webber, the famous Coast Guardsman who led the rescue of the SS Pendleton crew, and whose story was told in the movie The Finest Hours, had a long career marked by numerous other rescues.

He always considered this story one of the most astonishing. If Bernie couldn’t handle a DUKW, ***few can. (Click here for story.)

(Excerpted from Two Tankers Down: The Wreck of the Pendleton and the Fort Mercer)

***Editor’s Note:  The name “DUKW” is a manufacturer’s code based on D indicating the model year, 1942; U referring to the body style, utility (amphibious); K for all-wheel drive; and W for dual rear axles.