USS Merrimac (1895)
USS Merrimac - American steamer serving in the United States Navy during the Spanish-American War. Merrimac was built as a "Solveig" in 1894 and acquired by the Navy in April 1898. Rear Admiral William T. Sampson ordered his sinking at the entrance to the port of Santiago, Cuba, in an attempt to block the Spanish fleet in that port. At night, from 2 to 3 June 1898, eight volunteers attempted to complete the mission, but the ship's steering gear was destroyed by enemy artillery fire and the ship sank in a location that did not interfere with the use of the port. Crew members were rescued by the Spaniards and recognized as prisoners of war. After the battle near Santiago de Cuba, the Spanish fleet was destroyed and the crew members of the "Merrimac" were fired. All eight were awarded the Medal of Honor for their participation in the mission.
The eight crew members of "Merrimac" are: Bibliography
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