that African A mericans received these medals for heroism in combat. Lt. Frank Newcomb 's courage and determination prevai led against heavy odds in the daredevil rescue of USS Winslow. H e received the war's only Congressional Gold M edal, also known as the Cardenas Medal. In addition, the Revenue C utter Service adva nced Newcomb seven points
In recognition of his heroic deeds at Cardenas, Congress singled out Newcomb and awarded him a Congressional Gold Medal entitled Cardenas Medal of Honor. Congress awarded his crew silver and bronze versions of the medal.
in the promotion system, fast-tracking him ro the senior rank of captain by 1902. Despite this recognition, m any fa miliar with the Bat tle of Cardenas Bay strongly believe Newcomb deserved the Medal of Honor for his heroism and devotion ro duty. He retired in 1910 a fter forty yea rs of service and received the fl ag ra nk of commodore in retirement. Newcomb died in 1934, and his body was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery beside other Revenue C utrer Service heroes. From hi s birth in Bosto n to the naming of a hard-fighting Wo rld War II destroyer in h is honor, the story of Frank Hamilton Newcomb spanned a cenrury a nd involved four of the n ation's sea services. His career proved a tesramem to the US Coast G uard 's core va lues of honor, respect, and devotion to duty. Semper Paratus-Always Ready. ,!,
Frank H. Newcomb 's headstone at Arlington National Cemetery.
William H. Thiesen, PhD, is the Atlantic Area Historian fo r the US Coast Guard. He is the author of I ndustri alizing A m erican Shipbuilding: The Tra nsfor mation of Ship Design and Construction, 1820- 1920 (2 006), and is a regular contributor to Sea History. For more information on USCG history, visit www.uscg.mil/history or contact: Historian 's Office, Coast Guard A tlantic A rea, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704.
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SEA HISTORY 157, WINTER 2016- 17