Just Wanted to Share – February 23, 2022

John Henry (Dick) Turpin was born August 20, 1876 in Long Branch, New Jersey. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1896, and in 1917 was selected as one of the first African American Chief Petty Officers. Turpin was a survivor of two shipboard explosions: USS Maine in 1898 Havana Harbor, Cuba, and USS Bennington in San Diego in 1905. He is noted for a number of rescues of shipmates in the following hours, yet did not receive the Navy’s highest service award, the Medal of Honor, though 11 other Bennington crew did. Turpin transferred to the Fleet Reserve in 1919, and also qualified as a Master Diver, and was employed as a Master Rigger at the Puget Sound Navy Yard. During the World War II era, Turpin made inspirational visits to Navy Training Centers and defense plants. He retired from the US Navy on October 5, 1925 in Bremerton, Washington. Jamaican-born Turpin fought for a country that never fully recognized him, until now. In September 2020, the US House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to rename Washington’s Bremerton Post Office to honor John Henry Turpin. Private citizens in San Diego are working toward posthumously honoring the Medal of Honor to our Navy hero.

 

Stay courageous!

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