On January 23, 1968, the USS Pueblo, a Navy intelligence
vessel, was engaged in a routine surveillance of the North
Korean coast when it was intercepted by North Korean
patrol boats.

According to U.S. reports, the Pueblo was in international
waters almost 16 miles from shore, but the North Koreans
turned their guns on the lightly armed vessel and demanded
its surrender.

The Americans attempted to escape, and the North Koreans
opened fire, wounding the commander and two others.

With capture inevitable, the Americans stalled for time,
destroying the classified information aboard while taking
further fire. Several more crew members were wounded.

These men were hailed as heroes and returned home to
the United States in time for Christmas.

Lloyd Mark "Pete" Bucher 
(September 1, 1927 – January 28, 2004)
    
   

   
The USS Pueblo is now on display at a North Korean war
museum.