Osmond Ingram

Gunner's Mate First Class, Osmond Kelly Ingram was the first enlisted Navy man killed during World War One. His death was certainly not in vain, he very likely saved the ship he was on, the USS Cassin, with his actions that day.

The Cassin was attacked by the German U-61 off the coast of Ireland on this day, 98 years ago. Cassin saw the torpedo coming and realized it would strike near the ship's depth charges. He rushed to release the charges into the water. The torpedo struck before he could fully accomplish this.

Ingram was thrown overboard and killed in the ensuing explosion, which was determined to have been less bad than it would have been if Ingram had not rushed to action. No other lives were lost as a result of the attack. For his actions that day, Osmond Kelly Ingram was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Ingram's citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism in the presence of the enemy on the occasion of the torpedoing of the Cassin, on 15 October 1917. While the Cassin was searching for the submarine, Ingram sighted the torpedo coming, and realizing that it might strike the ship aft in the vicinity of the depth charges, ran aft with the intention of releasing the depth charges before the torpedo could reach the Cassin. The torpedo struck the ship before he could accomplish his purpose and Ingram was killed by the explosion. The depth charges exploded immediately afterward. His life was sacrificed in an attempt to save the ship and his shipmates, as the damage to the ship would have been much less if he had been able to release the depth charges.

Osmond Kelly Ingram was born in Oneonta, Alabama. He was 30 years old at the time of his death. There is a marker in his honor at the Brookwood American Military Cemetery in Surrey, England.

He is also honored by Ingram Plaza at the former Naval Training Center in San Diego, CA. Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, Alabama is named in his honor. The Navy also named DD-255, a Clemson Class Destroyer during World War 2 the USS Osmond Ingram.

We are thankful for his service and sacrifice. His action saved lives that day, 98 years ago. Although none of his shipmates are still with us, I'm sure many generations of families have him to thank for their many years.