USS MERRIMAC (1898)

'USS ''Merrimac''' was a steamship in the United States Navy during the Spanish-American War.
''Merrimac'' was built as ''Solveig'' in 1894, and purchased by the Navy in April 1898. Rear Admiral William T. Sampson ordered her to be sunk at the entrance of Santiago Harbor, Cuba, in an attempt to trap the Spanish fleet in the harbor. On the night of 2-3 June 1898, eight volunteers attempted to execute this mission, but ''Merrimac's steering gear was disabled by enemy gunfire and she sank without obstructing the harbor entrance. Her crewmen were rescued by the Spanish and made prisoners-of-war. After the Battle of Santiago de Cuba destroyed the Spanish fleet a month later, the men were released. All eight were awarded Medals of Honor for their part in the mission.
The eight volunteer crewman of the ''Merrimac'' were:

★ Lieutenant Richmond P. Hobson

★ Coxswain Claus K. R. Clausen

★ Coxswain Osborn W. Deignan

★ Coxswain John E. Murphy

★ Chief Master-At-Arms Daniel Montague

★ Gunner's Mate First Class George Charette

★ Machinist First Class George F. Phillips

★ Watertender Francis Kelly

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References

References

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★ US People - Montague, Daniel, Chief Boatswain