Ahoy Shipmates

Charles Henry Willey (b. 31 March 1889 - d. 11 September 1977) was a United States Navy Machinist awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for actions during the hurricane that wrecked USS Memphis.

Citation
WILLEY, CHARLES H. Rank and organization: Machinist, U.S. Navy. Place and date: Off Santo Domingo City, Santo Domingo, 29 August 1916. Entered service at: Massachusetts. Born: 31 March 1889, East Boston, Mass. G.O. No.: --1 August 1932. Citation: For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while serving on board the U.S.S. Memphis, at a time when that vessel was suffering total destruction from a hurricane while anchored off Santo Domingo City, 29 August 1916. Machinist Willey took his station in the engineer's department and remained at his post of duty amidst scalding steam and the rush of thousands of tons of water into his department as long as the engines would turn, leaving only when ordered to leave. When the boilers exploded, he assisted in getting the men out of the fire room and carrying them into the engine room, where there was air instead of steam to breathe. Machinist Willey's conduct on this occasion was above and beyond the call of duty.

Regards


Sean