Incidents of the accident
The Office of Naval Intelligence describes the outbreak of fire following the explosion of a gun during a training exercise on the USS Missouri on April 13, 1904, a fire that killed six officers and twenty-seven enlisted men. The report details the crew’s response to to the emergency and the evidence gathered in review of the incident. The writer states, “The discipline, readiness, and alacrity shown by every person in every department of the ship deserves highest approbation,” and he praises the willingness of numerous crew members to assist in the rescue of others, including three men who ultimately earned the medal of honor for their actions: Gunner Robert E. Cox, Chief Gunner’s Mate Mons Monssen, and Gunner’s Mate First Class Charles S. Schepke.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1904
