If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town Born in Germany. Enlisted Washington DC
Last Address Farmingdale NY
Date of Passing Jun 19, 1952
Location of Interment Long Island National Cemetery (VA) - Farmingdale, New York
Medal of Honor Awarded for actions during Peace Time
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Seaman First Class Heinrich Behnke, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession while serving aboard the U.S.S. Iowa. Seaman First Class Behnke displayed extraordinary heroism at the time of the blowing out of the manhole plate of boiler D on board that vessel, 25 January 1905.
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 182 (March 20, 1905)
Action Date: 25-Jan-05 Service: Navy Rank: Seaman First Class Division: U.S.S. Iowa
Other Comments:
Born: April 10, 1882 at Germany
Entered Service in the US Navy from Washington, DC.
Retired at the rank of Chief Water Tender.
Earned The Medal of Honor During Peace Time, For heroism January 25, 1905 at, Aboard Ship, At Sea.
Died: June 19, 1952 at the age of 70
While at sea the manhole plate of boiler D of the U.S.S. Iowa blew out, endangering the ship. Fireman First Class Heinrich Behnke was one of six sailors of the ships crew who received the Medal of Honor for displaying extraordinary heroism in the effort to save the U.S.S. Iowa and avert disaster or loss of life.
Others receiving Medals of Honor in this action were: Fireman First class Frederick Behne, Watertender Patrick Bresnahan, Fireman First Class Demetri Corahorgi, Boilermaker Edward Floyd, and Chief Watertender Johannes Johannessen.
