Quick Facts
Biography
Mons Monssen (January 20, 1867–February 10, 1930) was a sailor in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for heroism while serving about the USS Missouri (BB-11).
Biography
Mons Monssen was born January 20, 1867 on a farm in Tolleshaug, Norway and enlisted in the United States Navy June 3, 1889
Warranted gunner in 1904, he was serving in USS Missouri (BB-11) April 13, when a charge ignited while a 12-inch gun was being loaded for target practice. Eighteen officers and men lost their lives. Monssen entered the burning magazine through the scuttle and threw water on the fire with his hands until a hose was passed to him. For his actions he received the Medal of Honor.
He was commissioned lieutenant in July 1918 and he retired December 15, 1925.
He died at the Naval Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, February 10, 1930 and is buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization. Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: January 20, 1867, Norway. G.O. No.: 160, May 26, 1904.
Citation:
Serving on board the U.S.S. Missouri, for extraordinary heroism in entering a burning magazine through the scuttle and endeavoring to extinguish the fire by throwing water with his hands until a hose was passed to him, 13 April 1904.
Namesake
See USS Monssen for the two ships named in his honor.