Heinrich Behnke (Medal of Honor)

Heinrich Behnke (April 10, 1882 – June 19, 1952) was a seaman first class serving in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Heinrich Behnke
Born(1882-04-10)April 10, 1882
Germany
DiedJune 19, 1952(1952-06-19) (aged 70)
Place of burial
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service / branchUnited States Navy
Years of service1902 - 1925
RankChief Watertender
UnitUSS Iowa (BB-4)
AwardsMedal of Honor

Biography

edit

Behnke was born April 10, 1882, in Germany and after immigrating to the United States he joined the navy in 1902.[1] He was stationed aboard the USS Iowa (BB-4) as a seaman first class when, on January 25, 1905, a manhole plate blew out of boiler D. For his actions received the Medal of Honor March 20, 1905.[2][3]

He died June 19, 1952.

Medal of Honor citation

edit

Rank and organization: Seaman First Class, U.S. Navy. Born: 10 April 1882, Germany. Accredited to: Washington, D.C. G.O. No.: 182, 20 March 1905.

Citation:

While serving aboard the U.S.S. Iowa, Behnke displayed extraordinary heroism at the time of the blowing out of the manhole plate of boiler D on board that vessel, 25 January 1905.[2]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ Service Profile
  2. ^ a b "Interim Awards, 1901-1911; Behnke, Heinrich entry". Medal of Honor recipients. United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. Archived from the original on January 14, 2010. Retrieved September 25, 2010.
  3. ^ "Iowa". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Naval Historical Center. February 8, 2006. Archived from the original on December 7, 2010. Retrieved September 25, 2010.
edit