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December 16, 1922 -- Rescue of Vinh-Long Passengers


19-N-11575: USS Bainbridge (DD-246) noses into French transport Vinh-Long’s port bow to remove her survivors in the Sea of Marmora near Constantinople, Turkey. Bureau of Ships Photograph Collection
Caption: 19-N-11575: USS Bainbridge (DD-246) noses into French transport Vinh-Long’s port bow to remove her survivors in the Sea of Marmora near Constantinople, Turkey. Bureau of Ships Photograph Collection

19-N-11576: French transport Vinh-Long aflame from stem to stem in the Sea of Marmora. This view was taken after the removal of survivors. Bureau of Ships Photograph Collection.
Caption: 19-N-11576: French transport Vinh-Long aflame from stem to stem in the Sea of Marmora. This view was taken after the removal of survivors. Bureau of Ships Photograph Collection.

Lieutenant Commander Walter A. Edwards, commanding officer of USS Bainbridge (DD-246), led the rescue of 482 passengers from the burning French transport Vinh-Long by placing his destroyer in dangerous positions alongside to ensure the passengers could disembark despite explosions.   The destroyer then brought the passengers to Constantinople (now Istanbul), Turkey.  For his leadership and heroism, Edwards received the Medal of Honor.  


NH 52667: Lieutenant Commander Walter A. Edwards, USN, receives the Medal of Honor from President Calvin Coolidge at the White House, Washington, D.C., February 2, 1924. NHHC Photograph Collection.
Caption: NH 52667: Lieutenant Commander Walter A. Edwards, USN, receives the Medal of Honor from President Calvin Coolidge at the White House, Washington, D.C., February 2, 1924. NHHC Photograph Collection.
Published: Thu Apr 23 13:11:13 EDT 2020