Hometown: Smithtown, NY
Branch: U.S. Coast Guard
Unit: U.S.S. Firebolt, U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 403
Military Honors: Bronze Star w/Combat “V”, Purple Heart
Date of Sacrifice: April 24, 2004 - KIA in Khawr Al Amaya oil terminal, Iraq
Age: 24
Conflict: Iraq War, 2003-2011

Nate Bruckenthal, along with two U.S. Navy sailors, died intercepting a waterborne suicide attack in the Persian Gulf. Bruckenthal’s team pursued and attempted to board a vessel loaded with explosives. Their heroic action protected the crew of the USS Firebolt (PC 10) and saved the offshore oil platform and the oil terminal.

Bruckenthal joined the United States Coast Guard in January of 1999. He served on the Coast Guard Cutter Point Wells (WPB-82343) based out of Montauk, New York. After attending Damage Controlman “A” School, he was assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Station Neah Bay, Washington, on the Makah Indian Reservation. From there Bruckenthal was assigned to Tactical Law Enforcement (TACLET) Team South, at Coast Guard Air Station Miami (FL).

His first tour to the Persian Gulf region was from April to June, 2003. His second deployment occurred in February 2004 and he was due to return home in June of that year. During both tours he and his detachment, LEDET 403, were assigned to the U.S.S. Firebolt.

Bruckenthal’s Bronze Star Medal citation reads:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Damage Controlman Third Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal, United States Coast Guard, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Boarding Officer with U.S.S. Firebolt (PC-10) and the United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 403 during Operation Iraqi Freedom on 24 April 2004.

While patrolling the security zone around the Al Basra Oil Terminal in Iraqi territorial waters, Petty Officer Bruckenthal detected a small, unidentified dhow proceeding towards the Oil Terminal. After maneuvering the tram to screen the oil terminal, Petty Officer Bruckenthal approached the dhow to investigate its actions. As the boarding team drew alongside the dhow, the attacker on board the vessel, realizing he had been discovered, detonated explosives packed on board, mortally wounding Petty Officer Bruckenthal.

The explosion alerted all in the area to an ongoing coordinated attack, allowing security forces to destroy two additional explosive laden vessels, thereby preventing massive casualties, irreversible environmental damage, and the destruction of the Iraqi peoples’ major economic lifelines.

By his zealous initiative, courageous actions and exceptional dedication to duty, Petty Officer Bruckenthal reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Coast Guard and the United States Naval Service.

Bruckenthal intended to continue his life of public service by becoming a police officer or firefighter after finishing his Coast Guard service and completing college. He was the first Coast Guardsman to be killed in action since the Vietnam War (1959-1975).

Petty Officer Nathan Bruckenthal is laid to rest with at Arlington National Cemetery (Section 60, Site 7978) in Virginia.

Sources
United States Coast Guard: Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal
Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Foundation: DC3 Nathan Bruckenthal
Military Times—The Hall of Valor Project: Nathan B. Bruckenthal
Together We Served: Bruckenthal, Nathan B., DC3
Arlington National Cemetery: Nathan Bruckenthal
The Washington Post, July 25, 2018: ‘Bravery in battle’: Coast Guard ship named for slain Iraq War hero
Burial Site: Find a Grave