Sept. 13, 1909 there was a boiler explosion onboard the USS Salem Scout Cruiser #3 (later CL-3)
Watertender John King received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the crisis. This was nothing new to John King as this was the second time he had been on ship who's boilers had malfunctioned. On May 29, 1901
he was on the USS Vicksburg Gunboat #11 (later PG-11) when a problem occurred with the boiler's.
It was also the first time he had received a Medal of Honor. He was honored again on Jan. 30, 1960 when the John King DDG-3 was christened in his honor and launched at Bath Iron Works.

© 2007 Michael W. Pocock
MaritimeQuest.com

USS Salem CL-3