Today, the Medal of Honor is awarded for valor in combat situations. This was not always the case. From the beginning, the Medal could be presented for those who went above and beyond in their duties, even if it were peacetime. Such awards were mostly to sailors who rescued drowning crewmates, acted courageously to mitigate harm or injury in the case of fires or explosions, or exposed themselves to great risks in making repairs to ships during storms. Peacetime or “Interim Period” Medal of Honor awards ended with the advent of World War II.
Out of the 193 Medals of Honor awarded for non-combat feats, 11 were awarded in the wake of a 1905 boiler explosion on the USS Bennington.
By Annabel Higgins, contributor
The USS Bennington (PG-4) was a United States Navy gunboat constructed in the 19th century and served through the early 20th century. The gunboat operated along the coasts of North and South America, with frequent visits to Hawaii. The Bennington also participated in the Philippine Insurrection from 1899 to 1901. The ship was decommissioned in 1901 for 18 months until being recommissioned in 1903.
One of the most significant events of the history of the USS Bennington occurred on the morning of July 21, 1905. The ship suffered an explosion due to a ruptured boiler off the coast of San Diego, California. This resulted in fire, seawater, and scalding steam to infiltrate the vessel. The explosion almost immediately killed 33 men while injuring others. The officers and crew courageously risked their lives to rescue the ship and assist the injured. Many also ignored their own wounds to rush back into the scalding steam and ashes to rescue fellow crewmembers.
The boiler explosion ultimately resulted in the deaths of 61 crew members and approximately injured 42 others. Many of the casualties were caused by the steam and debris. The Bennington suffered extensive damage and had sunk in the shallow water. The ship was later recovered, repaired, and inactive for 5 years until sold in 1910 for scrap.
Out of all the members of the crew onboard the USS Bennington that day, the actions of 11 men stood out for going above and beyond the call of duty, earning them the Medal of Honor.
The boiler explosion onboard the USS Bennington had a significant impact on the U.S. Navy. The disaster had made newspaper headlines all over the country, causing an investigation to be led by high-ranking officials. Following an inspection of the accident, Naval safety regulations were revised to include more rigorous boiler inspections and maintenance. Boiler construction for ships were also improved for safety. Because of the events on July 21, 1905, the changes made saved the lives of future crew members onboard U.S. Naval ships.
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About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor, inspiring America to live the values the Medal represents, and supporting Recipients of the Medal as they connect with communities across America.
Chartered by Congress in 1958, its membership consists exclusively of those individuals who have received the Medal of Honor. There are 63 living Recipients.
The Society carries out its mission through outreach, education and preservation programs, including the Medal of Honor Museum, Medal of Honor Outreach Programs, the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, and the Medal of Honor Citizen Honors Awards for Valor and Service. The Society’s programs and operations are funded by donations.
As part of Public Law 106-83, the Medal of the Honor Memorial Act, the Medal of Honor Museum, which is co-located with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s headquarters on board the U.S.S. Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, was designated as one of three national Medal of Honor sites.
Learn more about the Medal of Honor and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s initiatives at cmohs.org.