A Forgotten Hero Is Belatedly Honored

In 1867, Emil Fredreksen was born.  In 1950, he died, aged 83.

He died without known next of kin.  After his death, he was buried – sans headstone and apparently without military honors – in Evergreen Washelli Cemetery in Seattle, Washington.

In between his birth and death, Fredreksen served in the US Navy.  He was serving onboard the USS Bennington in 1905 – and was serving there in San Diego on 21 July.

That day, a major explosion occurred onboard the USS Bennington.  Of her crew of 179, the explosion killed 66 – and seriously wounded 46.  Only 12 men from the crew were capable of performing their duties immediately after the explosion.

Fredreksen was one of those 12.  He engaged in rescue effots, repeatedly going below deck to search for wounded crewmembers and bring them to safety.

For this, 11 men were awarded the Navy Medal of Honor (prior to World War I, award of the MoH was allowable for non-combat heroism).  Fredreksen was one of those 11.

Fast forward over 110 years.  It turns out that member of the Medal of Honor Historical Society, Mr. Ray Johnston, researched Fredreksen’s case.  Johnson located Fredreksen’s final resting place through pension records.

Fredreksen’s grave received full military honors – and proper marking  as a Medal of Honor recipient – at 2PM local time yesterday.

Fox News has an article giving a few more details.  If you have a few minutes, it’s IMO worth your time to read it.

Rest well, hero.  And many thanks to you, Mr. Johnson.

Category: Blue Skies, Feel Good Stories, Navy