A Secret Landing on U.S. Soil
On June 12, 1942, a Nazi submarine surfaced off Long Island, deploying four saboteurs with explosives meant to attack American infrastructure. A young Coast Guard recruit, John Cullen, spotted them unloading a raft. Their leader, George Dasch, handed Cullen a bribe and fled with his team to New York City.
A Change of Plans
Dasch had no intention of following orders. After checking into a hotel, he revealed his plan to a fellow saboteur: he intended to contact the FBI and expose the mission. He made several phone calls but was initially dismissed as a prankster. When the FBI linked his claims to the discovered explosives, they took him seriously.
The FBI Moves In
Dasch surrendered in Washington, D.C., handing over details and cash meant to fund years of sabotage. Within two weeks, the FBI arrested all eight men. Despite Dasch’s cooperation, all were sentenced to death except him and another conspirator, whose sentences were reduced. Six were executed in August 1942.
Aftermath and Exile
Dasch expected a hero’s welcome but instead was imprisoned and later deported to West Germany. Branded a traitor by both sides, he spent the rest of his life trying to clear his name, but the FBI ensured his story remained buried.
In June 1942, a Nazi submarine left four saboteurs on Long Island with explosives. Their leader, George Dasch, had other plans. He bribed a Coast Guard recruit, fled to New York, and instead of carrying out the mission, he turned himself in to the FBI, exposing the plot.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/Rcjzn20VhZ
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) February 18, 2025