November 28, 1917: The American tanker Albert Watts struck a mine laid by SMS UC-35 in the Ligurian Sea. One crewman was killed by the explosion. The ship continued on, but the explosion had caused a gas leak which finally ignited. The burning tanker finally sank about 50 miles from Genoa on Nov. 29.

The U.S. Navy Armed Guards onboard remained at their stations until there was no longer thought to be a danger from attack and then did everything they could to save the ship. The commanding officer of the Armed Guard, Chief Boatswain's Mate Reuel V. Hanberry, USN, was later awarded the Navy Cross for this leadership.

© 2005 Michael W. Pocock
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