USS Mount Vernon (ID-4508)

In 1906, German shipping company, North German Lloyd had the SS Kronprinzessin Cecilie (Crown Princess Cecilie) built as a luxury liner. It operated between Bremen, Germany and New York until WW1 broke out in 1914. When that happened, it was interned by the neutral United States until we entered the war in 1917. At that point, it was seized and transferred to the US Navy for use as a troop transport. It was then renamed the USS Mount Vernon.

During the war, she made nine successful trips across the Atlantic, carrying troops into battle at Brest, France. On this date, September 5, 1918, 97 years ago, while on another crossing, returning 350 wounded soldiers back home. 200 miles from France, her gun crews spotted a periscope. Only 500 yards away, the German U-82 fired a torpedo as the Mount Vernon fired her guns back and made evasive turns. The sub submerged and got away, but the Mount Vernon was not able to avoid the torpedo, which struck and knocked out half of her boilers. 36 men were killed as a result.

The ship was able to make it back to Brest for temporary repairs, and eventually made it back to Boston for full repairs. She eventually returned to France, sailing on February 22, Washington's Birthday, to begin returning US veterans back home.

Today we remember those lost aboard the Mount Vernon. Especially heartbreaking considering they had been injured in battle, survived, and were on their way home. They gave and gave some more in the fight against tyranny and their contributions should never be forgotten.