U.S. Customs Service Officer Patrick J. Black was working the docks in Hoboken, New Jersey. While performing inspections on Pier 8, he was struck by a freight tractor driven by a longshoreman. Officer Black was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the next morning, on August 31, 1943. The driver was charged with manslaughter by motor vehicle, but there is no record of a verdict.
Officer Black was born in Ireland. He served in the Royal Regiment of Artillery of the British Army as a gunner and was stationed in both Plymouth, England, and Mauritius, East Africa. Officer Black emigrated to the United States, became a naturalized citizen, and joined the U.S. Customs Service. Officer Black was survived by his wife and daughter.