Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Interim 1920 - 1940 - U.S. Navy
Walter Atlee Edwards
Details
- Rank: Lieutenant Commander
- Conflict/Era: Interim 1920 - 1940
- Unit/Command:
U.S.S. Bainbridge - Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
- Medal of Honor Action Date: December 16, 1922
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Sea of Marmora, Turkey
Citation
For heroism in rescuing 482 men, women, and children from the French military transport Vinh-Long, destroyed by fire in the Sea of Marmora, Turkey, on 16 December 1922. Lt. Comdr. Edwards, commanding the U.S.S. Bainbridge, placed his vessel alongside the bow of the transport and, in spite of several violent explosions which occurred on the burning vessel, maintained his ship in that position until all who were alive were taken on board. Of a total of 495 on board, 482 were rescued by his coolness, judgment, and professional skill, which were combined with a degree of heroism that must reflect new glory on the U.S. Navy.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Pennsylvania
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Presentation Date & Details: February 2, 1924
The White House, presented by Pres. Calvin Coolidge - Born: November 8, 1886, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, United States
- Died: January 15, 1928
- Buried: Arlington National Cemetery (4-3183), Arlington, VA, United States