On October 1, 1912 a group of torpedo boat destroyers were conducting a full speed contest off the coast of Rhode Island, one of the ships, USS Walke (destroyer #34) under the command of Lt. Charles R. Train, was running at top speed when there was an explosion that could be felt on the bridge. The ship immediately slowed considerably and seconds later steam was pouring from the hatches. The port turbine had failed and the forward casing and steam chest exploded instantly killing the chief engineering officer, Lt. Morrison and injuring a number of others.

At once men, without regard to their own safety, went below to render aid to their shipmates. While live steam poured through the engine room, these brave souls found and removed those who had been injured. On one engine Lt. Train brought Walke into Narragansett Bay and the wounded were transferred to the hospital ship Solace, where sadly four more died of their terrible injuries.