AUXILIARIST HONORS COAST GUARD HERO

Article & photos submitted by Auxiliarist Mike Goodwin, Flotilla 49, D5-NR, Upper Darby, PA

Auxiliarist Robert Terlisner piping at church.

The sweet and stirring sounds of bagpipes were heard on Saturday, May 9, 2009, as friends, family, and shipmates gathered in Wellfleet, Cape Cod, MA to attend the memorial service of a true Coast Guard hero. Chief Warrant Officer Bernie Webber, USCG (Ret.) crossed the bar on January, 24, 2009 at his home in Melbourne, Florida, at the age of 80.

Webber became a reluctant hero when he and his crew rescued 32 stranded mariners form the ill-fated tanker, Pendleton, which split in half during a Nor’easter on February 18, 1952. For their extraordinary actions, Webber and his crew were awarded the Coast Guard's highest honor, the Gold Lifesaving Medal.

Webber’s memorial service brought together members of the Coast Guard family. Many Auxiliarists were also present, including bagpiper, Auxiliarist Robert L. Terlisner, of Point Judith, Rhode Island Flotilla 79, D1-NR.

Auxiliarist Terlisner, who was an active-duty Guardian during the 1980s, has been playing the bagpipes for approximately 15 years. He is now a piper for the U.S. Coast Guard Pipe Band. After the service, Terlisner had the opportunity to meet with Admiral Thad W. Allen, Commandant of the Coast Guard. Admiral Allen presented Terlisner with his challenge coin and thanked the piper for his service.

As Webber’s memorial service concluded at the graveside, Terlisner could be heard piping the Coast Guard Hymn in the distance- a fitting tribute to a Guardian's service.

~NGS

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