When the USA declared war on Germany in 1917, the US Coast Guard Cutter Tampa was based in Pembroke Dock. She was engaged in escorting convoys from Milford Haven to Gibraltar and back . She successfully did this for 18 voyages without losing a ship to enemy action However on September 26, 1918 she was seen by the German submarine UB91, a torpedo was fired and Tampa exploded violently, killing all hands .

Some days later two bodies washed ashore in Freshwater east in Pembrokeshire, were taken to Lamphey Church and given a respectful burial .

One was identified as James Fleury, 30 years old, he was returned to his Family in 1919 for burial in his home town in Queens, New York.

After his death his Mother used a Ouija board to communicate with him and thought that his ship had been sunk by a zeppelin airship .

The other sailor is unknown and is still buried in Lamphey.

Lamphey Community, aided by David James (West Wales Maritime Heritage Society) have been communicating with the US Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington DC to remind them of the Centenary and urging that the event be remembered.

Thus three USCG Petty Officers attended Lamphey Church to remember their fallen Comrade.

At the service the Petty Officers presented a memorial plaque recording their appreciation of the villagers’ care of the grave and a cheque for $1000 .