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Machinist's Mate · U.S. Navy

William Russell Huber

Machinist's Mate William Russell Huber, Navy, received the Medal of Honor for actions on June 11, 1928 in Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia (Interim 1920–1940).

Interim 1920 - 1940 June 11, 1928

Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Machinist's Mate William Russell Huber received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 11, 1928 in Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1920 - 1940 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Bruce. Huber was 25 years old.

The medal was presented on December 15, 1928. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant.

Huber was born on July 16, 1902 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is credited to Pennsylvania. Huber died on January 25, 1982 in San Mateo, California, at the age of 79. He is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California.

★ Fire & Explosions at Sea

Official Medal of Honor citation

For display of extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession on 11 June 1928, after a boiler accident on the U.S.S. Bruce, then at the Naval Shipyard, Norfolk, Va. Immediately on becoming aware of the accident, Huber without hesitation and in complete disregard of his own safety, entered the steam-filled fireroom and at grave risk to his life succeeded by almost superhuman efforts in carrying Charles H. Byran to safety. Although having received severe and dangerous burns about the arms and neck, he descended with a view toward rendering further assistance. The great courage, grit, and determination displayed by Huber on this occasion characterized conduct far above and beyond the call of duty.

Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.

Battles and campaigns

Also served in: World War I, World War II.

Places

  • Born: Harrisburg — map
  • Died: California — map
  • Buried: Golden Gate National Cemetery — map

Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Pennsylvania →

Timeline

  1. July 16, 1902
    Born in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
  2. June 11, 1928
    Act of valor — Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia
    Age 25. U.S.S. Bruce
  3. December 15, 1928
    Medal of Honor presented
  4. January 25, 1982
    Died in San Mateo, California
    Age 79.
  5. Resting place
    Golden Gate National Cemetery
    San Bruno, California

Biography

William Russel Huber (June 16, 1902 – January 25, 1982), a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was a United States Navy sailor who received the Medal of Honor for heroism on June 11, 1928.

From the Wikipedia article “William Russel Huber”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →

More Interim 1920–1940 recipients from Pennsylvania

Henry Clay Drexler Ensign · Navy Interim 1920–1940 · 1924 ✦ Walter Atlee Edwards Lieutenant Commander · Navy Interim 1920–1940 · 1922
Sources. Service and award details compiled from the recipient record of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Wikidata and Wikipedia. The narrative summary is generated from these records. Spotted an error? Send a correction.