Emlen Tunnell: Unknown War Hero - VAntage Point

"Tunnell finished his freshman year in the spring of 1943 and wanted to serve his country. He tried to enlist, but both the Army and Navy rejected him due to his neck injury. Without being discouraged, he tried the Coast Guard. This time, he was accepted and became a steward’s mate. It would be another five years before President Truman’s executive order to integrate the military would pass. This meant Tunnell’s responsibilities were largely confined to washing dishes and cleaning.

Tunnell was assigned to USS Etamin. On the evening of April 27, 1944, the Etamin was in the South Pacific and docked at an island off Papua New Guinea, when she was hit with a Japanese torpedo. Due to a fuel spill, a fire broke out. A shipmate was engulfed in flames and Tunnell, with nothing but his bare hands, put out the fire to save the man’s life. Unfortunately, Tunnell incurred burns.

Two years later, on March 17, 1946, Tunnell was assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Tampa, which was docked in Newfoundland. A shipmate fell into the frigid Canadian waters; Tunnell jumped in. After 20 minutes in the water, Tunnell saved the shipmate. This was observed by the commanding officer who then recommended Tunnell for the Silver Lifesaving Medal. It was unusual at this time for African Americans to receive this type of recognition. The honor was not contemporaneously awarded."...

Moved to the other end of the house. Terrific story and special congratulations to Emlen Tunnell.

Great story