USCGC Dauntless Plaque

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

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USCGC Dauntless Plaque

Artifact ID1982.03026.01

Object Type Plaque

Gifter CDR Howard Newhoff

Date November 17, 1982

Medium Metal, Wood, Ceramic

Dimensions9 × 12 in. (22.9 × 30.5 cm)

Physical DescriptionA wooden plaque is decorated with one square ceramic tile and two circular tiles. The square tile depicts the USCGC Dauntless (WMEC-624), and the two circular tiles depict the USCG emblem. Above and below the tile are two metal plaques engraved "PRESENTED TO PRESIDENT RONALD W. REAGAN" and "ON OCCASION OF YOUR VISIT NOVEMBER 17, 1982." Also included are remarks to personnel (xeroxed copy).
Historical NoteThe plaque was given when President Ronald Reagan visited the USCGC Dauntless (WMEC-624) in Miami, FL on November 17, 1982 when he awarded her crew the Coast Guard Unit Commendation for their anti-drug efforts with the South Florida Task Force. He said, "I thank you all very much, and, Admiral Gracey, I wonder if you and those assembled here can understand just exactly the mixed emotions that I'm feeling right now, having been a horse cavalryman. It seems a long ways away from home." Prior to his remarks, the President attended a briefing on the Coast Guard's participation in the South Florida Task Force program given by CDR Howard Newhoff, captain of the Dauntless, and Charles Rinkevich, coordinator of the Task Force.

The Dauntless was commissioned on June 10, 1968 and is still currently in service. The Dauntless was the first ship to arrive at the scene of the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion on January 28, 1986.
Additional Details

Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.

National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and

National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)

Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted

Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.

In Collection(s)

Gifts from the General Public