History: Emlen Tunnell, an unsung hero

Posted by: LTJG Stephanie Young

Written by Dr. David Rosen, Coast Guard Historian

As we head into Super Bowl weekend, it seems only fitting that this month’s history post shares the story of Emlen Tunnell. When most people hear the name Emlen Tunnell, they think of the star athlete and the first black member of the New York football Giants, joining the team in 1948. Nicknamed “Mr. Defense,” the former halfback switched to defense for the Giants, setting records for interceptions and punt returns in 1952 and 1953 – both records that remained unbroken until his death in 1975, with his interception total of 79 still falling only two short of all time interception leader Paul Krause.

Tunnell would end his storied career with the Green Bay Packers in 1961 and, in 1967, become the first African American inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As fans across America marveled over Mr. Defense’s on-field leadership and heroics, his accomplishments were hardly surprising to those who witnessed his valor and heroism as a Coast Guardsman during World War II.

Tunnell served honorably from 1943-46 as a steward’s mate aboard several ships – twice cited for exceptional acts of heroism.

On April 27, 1944, the Coast Guard-manned cargo ship USS Etamin was unloading 6000 tons of explosives and gasoline while at anchor at Aitape Harbor, Papua New Guinea. Without warning, Etamin was attacked by Japanese aircraft and a torpedo blew a hole 27 feet by 27 feet in the ship’s starboard side.

With the shell plating and shaft alley of Etamin ruptured, gasoline sprayed over the after part of the ship, creating a dangerous situation for all aboard. It was Coast Guard Steward’s Mate Emlen Lewis Tunnel who came to the aid of Mechanics Mate First Class Fred Shaver, who was on fire, pulling him to safety and severely burning his own hands in the process.

Tunnell, who was known to speak in football metaphors, later recalled the sinking ship as, “a small, tough fullback, without much speed, pounding forward every minute of the game.”

On March 17, 1946, Tunnell was nominated for the Silver Lifesaving Medal for once again saving the life of a fellow shipmate.

His shipmate, Alfred Givens, fell off the dock of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa. Without regard to his own safety, Tunnell jumped into the 32-degree seas and rescued Givens. Tunnell saved his drowning shipmate, and despite being in the water for only fifteen minutes, suffered exposure and shock.

In recognition of Tunnell’s heroic actions, the commanding officer of Tampa, Cmdr. Ralph Jenkins, nominated Tunnell for the Silver Lifesaving Medal. A momentous occasion considering African Americans were not customarily awarded medals at that time in our history. He would receive a posthumous Combat Action Ribbon and is currently being considered for a Silver Lifesaving Medal.