Quick Facts
Biography
Charles Stephen Schepke (December 26, 1878 – February 27, 1933) was a gunner's mate first class serving in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
Biography
Schepke was born December 26, 1878 in New York City, New York and joined the United States Navy. He was stationed aboard the battleship USS Missouri (BB-11) as a gunner's mate first class. On April 13, 1904 the ‘’Missouri’’ was engaging in target practice when one of the ships 12” gun “flared back”. As the breech was opened for reloading, hot gases were released into the turret, causing it to catch fire. The fire spread to a bag of propellant and from there it spread down to the ammunition handling chamber. Schepke assisted in containing the fire before it spread to other areas of the ship and in putting out the blaze. The fire was eventually contained but before it was out 36 of the ship's crew were dead. For his actions received the Medal of Honor May 26, 1904.
In June 1921, a Brooklyn, New York judge granted alimony to Schepke’s wife, Gertrude Schepke pending a separation. She was granted a $25 week stipend after she filed for divorce from then Junior Lieutenant Schepke.
He died February 27, 1933 and is buried in Lutheran All Faiths Cemetery Middle Village, New York. His grave can be found in map 5, lot 9365.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Gunner's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy. Born: 26 December 1878, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 160, 26 May 1904.
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism while serving on the U.S.S. Missouri in remaining by a burning magazine and assisting to extinguish the fire, 13 April 1904.