Daniel Montague facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Montague
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Chief Boatswain Daniel Montague
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| Born | October 22, 1867 Wicklow, Ireland |
| Died | February 4, 1912 (aged 44) |
| Place of burial |
United States Naval Academy Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | mid-1890s – 1912 |
| Rank | Chief Boatswain |
| Unit | USS New York (ACR-2) USS Merrimac USS Wisconsin (BB-9) USS Mohican (1883) USS Olympia (C-6) |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War *Sinking of the Merrimac |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Daniel Montague (born October 22, 1867 – died February 4, 1912) was a brave sailor in the United States Navy. He received the Medal of Honor, which is America's highest award for military bravery. He earned this honor for his actions during the Spanish–American War.
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A Hero in the Spanish-American War
Daniel Montague joined the Navy in the mid-1890s. He served on the ship USS New York (ACR-2) during the Spanish–American War. He was a Chief Master-at-Arms, which is a senior role in the Navy.
The Mission of the Merrimac
Montague was one of eight volunteers for a very risky mission. They were to sink the ship USS Merrimac in the entrance of Santiago Harbor, Cuba. The goal was to trap the Spanish fleet inside the harbor.
On the night of June 2–3, 1898, the team tried to sink the Merrimac. But enemy gunfire damaged the ship's steering. The Merrimac sank, but it did not block the harbor as planned.
Captured and Released
The Spanish forces rescued Montague and his shipmates. They were taken as prisoners of war. About a month later, the Spanish fleet was defeated in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. After this battle, Montague and his fellow sailors were set free.
For their incredible bravery during this dangerous mission, all eight men received the Medal of Honor.
Life After the Merrimac Mission
Even while he was a prisoner, Daniel Montague was promoted. On June 15, 1898, he became a Boatswain, which is a type of warrant officer.
After the war, Montague served on the training ship Lancaster until late 1901. He then worked at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. In 1903, Boatswain Montague joined the battleship USS Wisconsin. This ship was important as a flagship in Asia.
In June 1904, Montague was promoted again to Chief Boatswain. He then served on the old steam ship USS Mohican in the Philippines. Later, he was assigned to Naval Station, Pensacola, Florida. He also worked at the Philadelphia Naval Yard in Pennsylvania.
His last job was in 1911–1912 on the cruiser USS Olympia in Norfolk, Virginia. This ship was being prepared to be used as a barracks ship.
Daniel Montague passed away while still serving in the Navy. He was 44 or 45 years old. He was buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.
See also
