William Halford (U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph)William Halford (U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph)
Today in U.S. Naval History - December 19
1870 - After a month at sea in a 22-foot boat, Coxswain William Halford, the lone survivor of five, reaches Hawaii to seek help for crew of USS Saginaw, wrecked near Midway Island. Rescuers reach the 88 Saginaw survivors on January 4, 1871.
For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.