Walter Atlee Edwards

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Commander Walter Atlee Edwards, United States Navy, for heroism in rescuing 482 men, women and children from the French military transport Vinh-Long, destroyed by fire in the Sea of Marmora, Turkey, on 16 December 1922. Lieutenant Commander Edwards, commanding the U.S.S. BAINBRIDGE, placed his vessel alongside the bow of the transport and, in spite of several violent explosions which occurred on the burning vessel, maintained his ship in that position until all who were alive were taken on board. Of a total of 495 on board, 482 were rescued by his coolness, judgment and professional skill, which were combined with a degree of heroism that must reflect new glory on the U.S. Navy.

The Navy Cross is presented to Walter Atlee Edwards, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on the staff of the commander of the United States Naval forces operating in European waters.

Birth: 11/8/1886 – Philadelphia, PA