The Second World War example follows Campbell while escorting Convoy ON-166. After rescue work and submarine contacts, the cutter closed the surfaced U-606, rammed it, used gunfire and depth charges, and survived damage to return to service. Campbell rescued five German submariners after the action, adding prisoner rescue to its escort and anti-submarine work. The account makes clear that wartime Coast Guard capability is real, even though it is not the whole story of the service.
Notable Point · 10:01-11:24
Convoy warfare and a cutter's combat role
USCGC Campbell's fight with U-606 illustrates how a cutter could perform escort, rescue, and anti-submarine tasks in a major war.