During the disastrous 1927 Mississippi River flood , the Coast Guard rescued a total of 43,853 persons who they " removed from perilous positions to places of safety " . Additionally , they saved 11,313 head of livestock and furnished transportation for 72 persons in need of hospitalization . In all 674 Coast Guardsmen and 128 Coast Guard vessels and boats served in the relief operations
1927 Mississippi River flood
Great Mississippi Flood of 1927
History of the United States Coast Guard