The President of the United States takes Pleasure in Presenting the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal to
Donald F. Haviland*
Chief Engineer on SS Henry Bacon 02/23/45
In February 1945, SS Henry Bacon, an American Liberty Ship, in which Chief Engineer Haviland was serving, departed from Murmansk, North Russia, carrying Norwegian war refugees. A few days later during a heavy gale, the vessel was forced to drop out of Convoy RA-64 to effect repairs to her steering gear. The ship was then attacked by twenty-three German planes. The Henry Bacon shot down several planes and damaged others, but received one hit which caused her to founder. The lifeboats were filled with all of the Norwegians and some of the crew members, but could not accommodate all remaining personnel. When this situation became known to Chief Engineer Haviland, he insisted on climbing back on board ship giving his place in the lifeboat to a younger man. Shortly thereafter, he went down with the ship.
His unselfish action in sacrificing his life to save a shipmate constitutes a degree of heroism in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine.
For the President
Admiral Emory Scott Land
http://www.usmm.org/heroes.html
Donald F. Haviland*
Chief Engineer on SS Henry Bacon 02/23/45
In February 1945, SS Henry Bacon, an American Liberty Ship, in which Chief Engineer Haviland was serving, departed from Murmansk, North Russia, carrying Norwegian war refugees. A few days later during a heavy gale, the vessel was forced to drop out of Convoy RA-64 to effect repairs to her steering gear. The ship was then attacked by twenty-three German planes. The Henry Bacon shot down several planes and damaged others, but received one hit which caused her to founder. The lifeboats were filled with all of the Norwegians and some of the crew members, but could not accommodate all remaining personnel. When this situation became known to Chief Engineer Haviland, he insisted on climbing back on board ship giving his place in the lifeboat to a younger man. Shortly thereafter, he went down with the ship.
His unselfish action in sacrificing his life to save a shipmate constitutes a degree of heroism in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine.
For the President
Admiral Emory Scott Land
http://www.usmm.org/heroes.html
The President of the United States takes Pleasure in Presenting the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal to
Donald F. Haviland*
Chief Engineer on SS Henry Bacon 02/23/45
In February 1945, SS Henry Bacon, an American Liberty Ship, in which Chief Engineer Haviland was serving, departed from Murmansk, North Russia, carrying Norwegian war refugees. A few days later during a heavy gale, the vessel was forced to drop out of Convoy RA-64 to effect repairs to her steering gear. The ship was then attacked by twenty-three German planes. The Henry Bacon shot down several planes and damaged others, but received one hit which caused her to founder. The lifeboats were filled with all of the Norwegians and some of the crew members, but could not accommodate all remaining personnel. When this situation became known to Chief Engineer Haviland, he insisted on climbing back on board ship giving his place in the lifeboat to a younger man. Shortly thereafter, he went down with the ship.
His unselfish action in sacrificing his life to save a shipmate constitutes a degree of heroism in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine.
For the President
Admiral Emory Scott Land
http://www.usmm.org/heroes.html
Donald F. Haviland*
Chief Engineer on SS Henry Bacon 02/23/45
In February 1945, SS Henry Bacon, an American Liberty Ship, in which Chief Engineer Haviland was serving, departed from Murmansk, North Russia, carrying Norwegian war refugees. A few days later during a heavy gale, the vessel was forced to drop out of Convoy RA-64 to effect repairs to her steering gear. The ship was then attacked by twenty-three German planes. The Henry Bacon shot down several planes and damaged others, but received one hit which caused her to founder. The lifeboats were filled with all of the Norwegians and some of the crew members, but could not accommodate all remaining personnel. When this situation became known to Chief Engineer Haviland, he insisted on climbing back on board ship giving his place in the lifeboat to a younger man. Shortly thereafter, he went down with the ship.
His unselfish action in sacrificing his life to save a shipmate constitutes a degree of heroism in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine.
For the President
Admiral Emory Scott Land
http://www.usmm.org/heroes.html
Inscription
Lost in the Arctic in the service of his country.
Sponsored by Ancestry
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