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Richard Etheridge | |
|---|---|
 Keeper Richard Etheridge and the Pea Island Lifesaving Crew, circa 1890. | |
| Born | January 16, 1842 Manteo, North Carolina |
| Died | May 8, 1900 Manteo, North Carolina |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | Union Army, United States Revenue Cutter Service |
| Rank | Commissary Sergeant (Union Army), Keeper |
| Commands | Pea Island Lifesaving Station |
| Known for | First African-American to command a U.S Lifesaving Service |
Richard Etheridge (January 16, 1842 - May 8, 1900) was an American man who became the first African-American to command a U.S. Life-Saving Service station. [1] He led the Pea Island Lifesaving Station, an all-black group.
Early Life
editEtheridge was born a slave in the Outer Banks, and took the last name of his master, who was also his father by an affair with a slave woman. Here he learned how to fish and ride a boat. By 1862, the Union Army had invaded the Outer Banks, and had set up labor from the slave community.[2]
American Civil War
editEtheridge enlisted in the 36th United States Colored Troop, as a Sergeant. He faced many deployments and rose to the rank of Commissary Sergeant, his regiment was then moved to Buffalo, where in December of 1866, he would be discharged, and would return to the Outer Banks.[3]
Pea Island Life Saving Station
editAfter a failed rescue attempt in 1879, the old keeper was fired, and Etheridge became his replacement. Soon after, the station would burn down in a horrific fire, and Etheridge would order the construction of a new station, and would exemplify expert devotion, creating life saving drills and training.
Heroism
editIn October of 1896, a terrifying hurricane would hit the E.S. Newman, blowing it about 100 miles off course, and came near the Outer Banks, and issued a distress signal. Etheridge reacted quickly and launched his surfboat, they fought exhaustingly through the storm and reached the E.S. Newman, and rescued the crew successfully. For this, him and his entire station would be awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal posthumously in 1996.[4]
Awards
editGold Lifesaving Medal
Namesake for USCGC Richard Etheridge
References
edit- ^ "Captain Richard Etheridge, Keeper, USLSS" (PDF). www.history.uscg.mil.
- ^ "Richard Etheridge". www.underbothflags.ncdcr.gov.
- ^ "Richard Etheridge". www.nps.gov.
- ^ "Richard Etheridge". www.ncpedia.org.