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OysterBoot74
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Excerpt from American Merchant Marine at War - Revolution to World War II to today -
The President of the United States takes Pleasure in Presenting the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal to
Elmer C. Donnelly
Deck Cadet-Midshipman on SS Daniel Huger
05/09/43
For heroism beyond the call of duty.
His ship was subjected to a two-hour high level bombing attack by seventeen enemy planes [Bone, Algeria]. As a result of a near miss, bomb fragments pierced the hull and the cargo of high octane gasoline exploded. Despite heroic efforts to combat the flames two to three hundred feet high, the fire was soon out of control and the ship was abandoned. Upon arrival of the shore fire brigade it was decided to try to save the ship with foamite.
It was necessary to have a few men return to the ship, enter the adjacent hold, and play a hose on the heated bulkhead to prevent the raging fire from spreading. Cadet-Midshipman Donnelly was one of five who volunteered to risk his life in an attempt to save part of the cargo, which was so necessary to the continuance of war operations. That the fire was eventually brought under control and most of the cargo saved, was due in no small measure to his outstanding bravery.
His willingness to risk his life to save his ship, and his heroic conduct during the fire are in keeping with the finest traditions of the sea.
For the President
Admiral Emory Scott Land
The President of the United States takes Pleasure in Presenting the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal to
Elmer C. Donnelly
Deck Cadet-Midshipman on SS Daniel Huger
05/09/43
For heroism beyond the call of duty.
His ship was subjected to a two-hour high level bombing attack by seventeen enemy planes [Bone, Algeria]. As a result of a near miss, bomb fragments pierced the hull and the cargo of high octane gasoline exploded. Despite heroic efforts to combat the flames two to three hundred feet high, the fire was soon out of control and the ship was abandoned. Upon arrival of the shore fire brigade it was decided to try to save the ship with foamite.
It was necessary to have a few men return to the ship, enter the adjacent hold, and play a hose on the heated bulkhead to prevent the raging fire from spreading. Cadet-Midshipman Donnelly was one of five who volunteered to risk his life in an attempt to save part of the cargo, which was so necessary to the continuance of war operations. That the fire was eventually brought under control and most of the cargo saved, was due in no small measure to his outstanding bravery.
His willingness to risk his life to save his ship, and his heroic conduct during the fire are in keeping with the finest traditions of the sea.
For the President
Admiral Emory Scott Land
As they sit, they are basically 400' canoes on the bottom of the gulf. IMO, still better than a barge or bridge rubble!
