US Navy Peacetime Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Navy as a Chief Gunners' Mate on board the Battleship "USS Missouri" (BB-11). He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery during an accident on board the ship in April 13, 1904. His citation reads "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". During target practice trials a flareback from a port gun in the aft turret of the "Missouri" set off a powder charge and ignited two others. Although the ensuing smoke suffocated 32 other crew members, the quick action by CGM Cox, Chief Gunner's Mate Mons Monsson and Gunner's Mate First Class Charles S. Schepke prevented an explosion that would have destroyed the ship. His Medal was presented to him by President Warren G. Harding on April 14, 1921, seventeen years after the incident. His two fellow "Missouri" crew members who bravely assisted in extinguishing the flames were awarded the Medal of Honor as well.
US Navy Peacetime Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Navy as a Chief Gunners' Mate on board the Battleship "USS Missouri" (BB-11). He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery during an accident on board the ship in April 13, 1904. His citation reads "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". During target practice trials a flareback from a port gun in the aft turret of the "Missouri" set off a powder charge and ignited two others. Although the ensuing smoke suffocated 32 other crew members, the quick action by CGM Cox, Chief Gunner's Mate Mons Monsson and Gunner's Mate First Class Charles S. Schepke prevented an explosion that would have destroyed the ship. His Medal was presented to him by President Warren G. Harding on April 14, 1921, seventeen years after the incident. His two fellow "Missouri" crew members who bravely assisted in extinguishing the flames were awarded the Medal of Honor as well.
Bio by: RPD2
Inscription
Medal of Honor
CG US Navy
Spanish American War
USS Missouri
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