Sidney C. Sanderlin.
Coast Guardsman Sidney Sanderlin, Coast Guardsman Victor Lamby, and Operative Robert Webster, of the United States Secret Service, were shot and killed by a suspect they had just arrested for rum running near the Bimini Islands in the Bahamas. The incident occurred after their Coast Guard Cutter CGC 249 stopped the suspects boat. The killer, a 43-year-old gulf stream pirate, was called the "King of the Rum Runners" during the prohibition era. He was sentenced to death and hung at the Coast Guard Station in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on August 17, 1929. This was the only execution ever carried out by the U.S. Coast Guard, the only execution ever carried out in a seaplane hangar, and the last legal hanging in Florida. A man on the boat with him was sentenced to one year after he turned states evidence. Guardsmen Sanderlin had previously served with the United States Army.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Coast Guardsman Sanderlin served with the United States Coast Guard.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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