John Mackenzie

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Chief Boatswain’s Mate John MacKenzie, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving on board the U.S.S. Remlik, on the morning of 17 December 1917, when the Remlik encountered a heavy gale. During this gale, there was a heavy sea running. The depth charge box on the taffrail aft, containing a Sperry depth charge, was washed overboard, the depth charge itself falling inboard and remaining on deck. Chief Boatswain’s Mate MacKenzie, on his own initiative, went aft and sat down on the depth charge, as it was impracticable to carry it to safety until the ship was headed up into the sea. In acting as he did, Chief Boatswain’s Mate MacKenzie exposed his life and prevented a serious accident to the ship and probable loss of the ship and the entire crew.

The Navy Cross is awarded to Chief Boatswain’s Mate John MacKenzie, U.S. Navy (Reserve Forces), for extraordinary heroism. Chief Boatswain’s Mate MacKenzie, a member of the crew of the U.S.S. Remlik, prevented a serious accident to the ship in holding a depth charge until it could again be secured.