Daily Reflections
John Cullen of the U.S. Coast Guard was a World War Two hero you may never have heard of.
A Daily News obituary reported that Cullen, who died at age 90 in 2011, was a “baby-faced 21-year-old” sentry on a Long Island, New York, beach when he came upon several Nazi saboteurs posing as clammers with boat trouble.
The New York native didn’t trust these so-called fishermen. Actually, they had been dropped off by a German submarine in the waters near Long Island as part of a war plan known as Operation Pastorius.
The Nazis threatened Cullen, and also offered him a $300 bribe to stay quiet about his suspicions. Although he pretended to acquiesce, he left and informed his superiors. Due to the young sentry’s quick thinking, Operation Pastorius failed.
Today’s active duty service members, veterans, and their families continue their acts of quiet heroism evident throughout American history.
Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who
wait for the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)
Prince of Peace, guide our military during times of war.
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