• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

🌺 Virgin Islands History

Vintage Stories from the Virgin Islands

MENUMENU
  • 🛒SHOP NOW
  • BLOG
  • 🇺🇸US VIRGIN ISLANDS
    • St. Thomas 🇺🇸
      • Creque Family Stories
    • St. Croix 🇺🇸
    • St. John 🇺🇸
    • Maritime History ⚓️
  • 🇩🇰DANISH WEST INDIES
    • Hassel Island, DWI
      • Creque Marine Railway History
      • Creque Family History
    • St. Thomas 🇩🇰
    • St. Croix 🇩🇰
    • St. Jan 🇩🇰
    • Maritime History ⚓️
  • 🇻🇬BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
    • Anegada
    • Tortola
    • Norman Island ☠️
    • Peter Island
    • Salt Island
    • Jost van Dyke
    • Virgin Gorda
    • Maritime History ⚓️
  • WORK WITH ME
    • CONTACT
      • 📕 RESOURCES
      • Mystery Photos
  • SHOP AT AMAZON
  • 📚 BECOME ONE OF OUR BOOK RETAILERS
  • My Books 📚

Honoring the Men of the MARION ~ 1930s

The men of the USCG MARION to the rescue in the US Virgin Islands ~ 1930s By Valerie Sims

The USCG Marion was a 125-foot patrol boat. She carried 20 enlisted men.

After finding this photograph of the USCG Marion’s crew in our family’s album, I was curious about their deployment in the islands.

The photograph was obviously taken at the Creque Marine Railway on Hassel Island, a business our great-grandfather owned.

He must have taken it while repairs were being made to their vessel.

The Need for a Patrol Vessel

In 1931, when Dr. Paul M. Pearson became the first civilian governor of the Virgin Islands, he inquired at the Department of the Interior about having a Coast Guard Cutter stationed in St. Thomas.

Within a few short weeks, the USCG Cutter, Marion was deployed.

After reading everything I could find about them, I was surprised to learn of the incredible contributions these servicemen made to our community.

Below is a list of some of the events they participated in; many at a moments notice and some in the middle of the night.

  • Rescuing distressed vessels (Schooner Benjamin W. Latham)
  • Military parades (Welcoming new Governor, Lawrence Cramer)
  • Transporting sick seaman 76 miles for help;
  • Transporting ice-packed body back to Puerto Rico
  • Putting out fires on Main Street (Paiewonsky’s Rum Factory)
  • Late night emergency trips to and from St. John, St. Croix and Puerto Rico 
  • Searching for stolen vessels: (Three Sisters owned by William Callwood)
  • Assisting in burials at sea (Weld Stevens)
  • Dress parades 
  • Sports activities
  • Shooting and Rifle tournaments; 
  • Honoring fallen soldiers on Memorial Day
  • Supporting the hospital benefit
  • Transporting car accident victims to Puerto Rico at night (Seargent Jessee B. Melear)
  • Transporting dignitaries and photographers (Pres. Roosevelt D. Roosevelt’s photographers)
  • Celebrating Constitution Day

Though over 90 years have passed since the Marion’s crew first gave their service, it’s never too late to show our gratitude.

Thank you!

U.S.C.G. MARION

ships and aircraft of the US Fleet
Learn more at amazon.com

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Follow our Blog!

You can sign up easily here.

SaveSave

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Valerie, Welcome!

LOOK INSIDE NOW!

My Book is Available NOW!

Front cover of book
Wholesale orders available!

Search here 🔎

Not on Any Map

Choose a Category 🔎

Pin with me & 12,000 Monthly Viewers!

Pinterest Photos of the Virgin Islands

Silver bracelet

Before our time, an oral history of st john, us virgin islands, dansk vestindien, danish west indies

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 Vintage Virgin Islands, Ltd.  All Rights Reserved.  Privacy Policy

Reproduction, Reuse, Distribution or Publication of any images or content without written permission is Prohibited.