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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
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Photo # NH 105348:  Chief Water Tender John King, USN

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Chief Water Tender John King, USN, (1865-1938)

John King was born on 7 February 1865 in County Mayo, Ireland. After emigrating to the United States he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from the state of New York in 1893. During the Spanish-American War he served on board the battleship Massachusetts and subsequently was a Watertender on board the gunboat Vicksburg during the Philippine insurrection. On 29 May 1901 King exhibited "heroism in the line of his profession" during a boiler accident on that ship, receiving the Medal of Honor for this action some months later. He became one of the few double recipients of the Nation's highest award as a result of "extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession" during another boiler accident aboard the scout cruiser Salem on 13 September 1909. A few weeks later King was advanced to the rank of Chief Water Tender. He was honorably discharged in 1916 but was recalled to active duty during World War I, serving in the New York area until August 1919. John King died on 20 May 1938 and is buried at Calvary Cemetery, Hot Springs, Arkansas.

USS John King (DDG-3), 1961-1999, was named in honor of Chief Water Tender King.

This page features the only image we have concerning John King.


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Photo #: NH 105348

Chief Water Tender John King, USN


John King was twice awarded the Medal of Honor, in both cases for "heroism in the line of his profession" during boiler accidents. The first was on board USS Vicksburg (Gunboat # 11) on 29 May 1901, and the second was on board USS Salem (Scout Cruiser # 3) on 13 September 1909.
The Medal of Honor is on the left in the top row of medals worn by Chief Watertender King in this portrait photograph, which was probably taken soon after the First World War.

Courtesy of the King Family.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 51KB; 580 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citations of Watertender John King USN (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 92):

"On board the U.S.S. Vicksburg, for heroism in the line of his profession at the time of the accident to the boilers, 29 May 1901."

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"Watertender, serving on board the U.S.S. Salem, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession on the occasion of the accident to one of the boilers of that vessel, 13 September 1909."


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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Page made7 December 2007