 |
The July 20, 1898, boiler accident put the USS Iowa and all aboard at peril. Penn and Keefer's quick actions saved their ship and shipmates. (U.S. Naval Historical Center photo)
|
Fireman 2nd Class Robert Penn
Sailor's Quick Actions Saved USS Iowa From Explosion After Boiler Accident
By Bethanne Kelly Patrick
Military.com Columnist
War vessels powered by coal and steam held terrible dangers below their decks, in the engine rooms where boilers, furnaces, pumps, and gaskets could and did malfunction. As Brig. Gen. H.M. Duffield noted in his 1906 book "Deeds of Valor," it took quick-witted men to avert catastrophe -- quick-witted men like Fireman 2nd Class Robert Penn.
On July 20, 1898, the USS Iowa was just weeks past its participation in the Battle of Santiago Bay, where it had been a key vessel in the final rout of the Spanish Navy. Its commander, Capt. Robley D. Evans, had received the defeated Spanish captain, Don Antonio Eulate, with dignity and taken many injured Spanish sailors aboard, treating them also with the dignity due foes who had fought honorably and well.
The Iowa was steaming back to the United States when a manhole gasket blew out in one of Fireroom #2's boilers, filling the room with live steam. The floor was covered with boiling water that was flying out of the boiler at a pressure of 120 pounds.
The twenty-six-year-old Penn and his mate, Coppersmith P.B. Keefer, rushed to the fireroom. Penn entered the room just in time to save a coal passer from falling into the boiling water. The man's feet were scalded, so Penn carried him to safety and then rushed back to aid Keefer, who had removed the fires from the two inboard furnaces. Penn then turned on the extra feed pump and built a bridge of planks across buckets. While an assistant engineer held the plank down, Penn hauled the two remaining fires.
Because of Penn's and Keefer's rapid action and quick thinking, the danger of an explosion was averted. The Iowa, the newest battleship of the Spanish-American War, thus sailed safely into New York waters on Aug. 20, 1898. Each man received the Medal of Honor for his bravery.
Have a suggestion for a Military Legend? Write to militarylegends@military.com.
Discuss this issue in Military.com's Military History forum...
Links:
|
