On April 2, 1925 CG-237 was conducting a prohibition patrol in Block Island Sound, approximately three miles southeast of Race Point Lighthouse, New York when her crew observed and commenced pursuit of a small boat suspected of carrying illegal liquor. At approximately 1:00 am the occupants aboard the smuggling vessel suddenly opened fire without warning. Chief Boatswain’s Mate Karl Gustafson, who was positioned in the pilothouse of CG-237, was struck in the abdomen by a single round. Other crew members immediately attended to his wound and set a course for New London, Connecticut. When they arrived at the base Gustafson was immediately taken to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his wound at 6:25 am.
Guardsman Gustafson had served with the United States Coast Guard for two years and held the ranks of Chief Boatswain’s Mate (Acting). He was survived by his mother, who lived in his native Sweden. He was buried in the U.S. Navy section of Cedar Grove Cemetery in New London.
Source: Officer Down Memorial Page