Medal of Honor: Cox, Monssen and Schepke

ROBERT EDWARD COX

Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy; USS Missouri (BB 11)

Born: 22 December 1855, St. Albans, W. Va.

Citation: For extraordinary heroism on U.S.S. Missouri 13 April, 1904. While at target practice off Pensacola, Fla., an accident occurred in the after turret of the Missouri whereby the lives of 5 officers and 28 men were lost. The ship was in imminent danger of destruction by explosion, and the prompt action of C.G. Cox and 2 gunners' mates caused the fire to be brought under control, and the loss of the Missouri, together with her crew, was averted.


MONS MONSSEN

Chief Gunner's Mate, US Navy; USS Missouri (BB 11)

Born: 20 January 1867, Norway

Citation: Serving on board the U.S.S. Missouri, for extraordinary heroism in entering a burning magazine through the scuttle and endeavoring to extinguish the fire by throwing water with his hands until a hose was passed to him, 13 April 1904.








CHARLES S SCHEPKE

Gunner's Mate First Class, US Navy; USS Missouri (BB 11)

Born: 26 December 1878, New York, N.Y.

Citation: For extraordinary heroism while serving on the U.S.S. Missouri in remaining by a burning magazine and assisting to extinguish the fire, 13 April 1904.



Note: USS Monssen (DD 436) and USS Monssen (DD 798) were named in honour of Chief Monssen.