USCGC Ingham (WHEC-35)

USCGC "Ingham" (WPG/WAGC/WHEC-35) is one of only two preserved s. Originally Samuel D. Ingham, she was the fourth cutter to be named for Treasury Secretary Samuel D. Ingham. She was the most decorated vessel in the Coast Guard fleet and was the only cutter to ever be awarded two Presidential Unit Citations.
History 1934–1988.
"Ingham" was built at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The Treasury Department awarded her contract on 30 January 1934. Her keel was laid on 1 May 1935, and she was launched on 3 June 1936, along with her sisters "William J. Duane", "Roger B. Taney" and the "George W. Campbell". "Ingham" was christened by Ms. Katherine Ingham Brush on that date and the new cutter was formally commissioned on 12 September 1936.
"Ingham" served with distinction during World War II on convoy duty. Protecting ships ferrying vital supplies to Britain, "Ingham" battled stormy weather, German U-boats, and enemy aircraft. On 15 December 1942, during one crossing, "Ingham" engaged and sank the enemy submarine "U-626". After 1944, "Ingham" served as an amphibious flagship and she would later take part in three campaigns in the Pacific Theater. "Ingham" was the last active warship in the US fleet with a U-Boat kill.
Post-war service.
In August 1966, "Ingham" rescued lone sailor William Willis off the US eastern seabord, landing him at the Argentia Coast Guard station.
"Ingham" earned two Presidential Unit Citations for her service in Operation SEA LORDS and Operation SWIFT RAIDER during the Vietnam War on a deployment from 3 August 1968 to 28 February 1969.
On completion of her deployment to Vietnam, "Ingham" returned to regular Coast Guard duties, serving until 1988, when she was decommissioned. At that time, "Ingham" was the second oldest commissioned U.S. warship afloat, second only to in Boston, Massachusetts.
Museum Ship and Memorial.
Acquired by Patriot's Point (located near Charleston, South Carolina) in 1989, "Ingham" was displayed along with the aircraft carrier , the destroyer , and the submarine until 20 August 2009.
On 20 August 2009 "Ingham" was towed to the Coast Guard piers in North Charleston, South Carolina for minor repairs and to await dry docking. She underwent a short dry docking period at Detyen's Shipyard in North Charleston and was then towed to Key West, Florida arriving there on 24 November 2009. She is now a member of Key West Maritime Memorial Museum.
The Commandant of the Coast Guard has declared "Ingham" the National Memorial to Coast Guardsmen Killed in Action in World War II and Vietnam. These 912 casualties are identified on a memorial plaque on Ingham's quarterdeck.
"Ingham" was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1992.