Naval History and Heritage Command

Chief Gunners Mate Thomas Eadie dives under adverse conditions to help Chief Torpedoman Fred Michels, who had problems connecting an air line to USS S 4 as she is sinking. After two hours of extremely dangerous work, Eadie succeeds in his mission and brings Michels safely to the surface. For his extraordinary heroism Eadie is awarded the Medal of Honor. Michels receives his second Navy Cross for his rescue efforts on USS S 4.

During the Venezuela Crisis of 1902-1903, Adm. George Dewey receives orders from President Theodore Roosevelt to sail with the North and South Atlantic Squadron to Trinidad then Venezuela to ensure Great Britain and Germany's dispute with Venezuela is settled by peaceful arbitration, not force. A settlement is reached February 1903.

USS Aspro (SS 309) attacks a Japanese convoy in Sakishima Gunto, damaging fleet tankers Sarawak Maru and Tenei Maru, and escapes counter attacks by destroyer Shoikaze. Meanwhile, USS Grayback (SS 208) sinks Japanese freighter Gyokurei Maru east-northeast of Naha, Okinawa and escapes counter attacks by destroyer Numakaze.

Adm. Halsey's 3rd Fleet encounters a typhoon northeast of Samar. Destroyers USS Hull (DD 350), USS Spence (DD 512), and USS Monaghan (DD 354) capsized and went down with practically all hands, while a cruiser, five aircraft carriers, and three destroyers suffered serious damage. Approximately 790 officers and men were lost or killed, with another 80 injured.

The River Patrol Force is established in Vietnam. In Dec. 1970, the resources are transferred by Admiral Elmo Zumwalt to the Vietnamese navy.