Expeditionary· Spanish-American War
USS Maine destruction in Havana Harbor
In early 1898, the battleship USS Maine was sent to Havana harbor in Cuba to protect American citizens during a time of unrest under Spanish rule.
On the night of February 15, the ship suddenly exploded and sank, killing most of the men aboard. Among the dead were a large number of the Marines who served as part of the ship's guard. One Marine, Private William Anthony, was on duty as the captain's orderly when the blast hit. In the smoke and darkness, instead of rushing to save himself, he made his way toward the captain's cabin to report that the ship had been blown up and was sinking. For this calm act of duty he was praised by the captain and the Navy and promoted to sergeant. The loss of the Maine helped push the United States into war with Spain.
Podcast episodes on Spanish-American War
Record no. 517