Rade Grbitch

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor

to Seaman Rade Grbitch, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on board the U.S.S. BENNINGTON, displayed at the time of the explosion of a boiler of that vessel at San Diego, California, 21 July 1905.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 13, January 5, 1906

Action Date: 21-Jul-05

Service: Navy

Rank: Seaman

Division: U.S.S. Bennington

US Navy Peacetime Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as US Navy Seaman, on the gunboat USS Bennington, based at San Diego Harbor, California. On July 21, 1905, a superheated steam boiler erupted and exploded through the Bennington's deck amidships. Despite much destruction, Seaman Grbitch ran down the forward hatch immediately after the explosion and began rescue work. He carried men to safety, saving lives and volunteered to go back into the boiler room to stop a leak. For extreme heroism, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in January 1906.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Aug 27 2021, 21:57:39 UTC