John King, born in Ireland 7 February 1865, enlisted in the Navy as a coal passer in Vermont 20 July 1893. He served on board Massachusetts in the Caribbean during the Spanish-American War, and in 1900 was transferred to Vicksburg PG-11 for service during the Philippine Insurrection. King received the Medal of Honor while in Vicksburg PG-11 "for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession at the time of the accident to the boilers, 29 May 1901." Eight years later, while a water tender in Salem CA-3 , King received a second Medal of Honor during another boiler explosion 13 September 1909. Advanced to Chief Watertender 1 October 1909, he continued to serve at sea until discharged in 1916. The beginning of World War I, however, brought Chief King back on active duty; he served at New York until 20 August 1919. He lived in retirement until his death 20 May 1938.

(Courtesy of the DANFS)

 

On board the USS Vicksburg, for heroism in the line of his profession at the time of the accident to the boilers, 29 May 1901.

 

Watertender, serving on board the USS Salem, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession on the occasion of the accident to one of the boilers of that vessel, 13 September 1909.