FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of the Heroes: Richard Pearson Hobbs ~ August 18, 2008

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[StarCMC]

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~ Hall of Heroes ~

Richard Pearson Hobson

All info and photos from this website.

           

Richard Pearson Hobson was born in Greensboro in Hale County in the western Black Belt of Alabama. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1889. He was ostracized by his fellow midshipmen for his total abstinence from alcohol and tobacco. He maintained a superb academic record and became the highest ranking midshipman: brigade commander.   After duty in Chicago, he underwent additional training and was appointed Assistant Naval Constructor in 1891. Hobson then served at various Navy Yards and facilities, including a tour of duty as instructor at the Naval Academy.

In the early days of Spanish-American War, he was with Admiral William T. Sampson in New York, and arrived off Santiago 1 June 1898. In order to bottle up the Spanish squadron of Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete, Hobson took temporary command of collier Merrimac, which he would attempt to sink as an obstruction in the channel. The attempt was made early 3 June under heavy Spanish fire, which disabled the steering gear of the collier. Hobson did sink the Merrimac, but was unable to place her in the shallowest part of the channel. With his intrepid crew of six, he was picked up by Admiral Cervera himself, and treated quite chivalrously for his gallant expedition.

Hobson became a hero of the American press while he was a prisoner of war in Cuba. His portrait appeared in hundreds of newspapers with embellished stories of his bravery in volunteering for what was perceived as a suicide mission. A fund was raised to aid his parents in avoiding foreclosure of their mortgage. When Hobson was released during a prisoner exchange on 6 July 1898, hundreds of American troops snapped to attention, then burst into cheers as he passed. He was deluged with speaking invitations when he returned to the United States. After dining with President William McKinley, Hobson traveled west by train en route to San Francisco and the Philippines. Crowds greeted his train at many stations, and his enthusiasm for kissing admiring young women made him a sex symbol of the Victorian age.

Hobson was advanced ten numbers in grade after the war and later, in 1933, awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic attempt to block the channel. After the Spanish-American War he worked on the repairing and refitting of captured Spanish cruisers at Cavite and at various shore stations of the Navy.

One of his close friends was American genius and inventor Nikola Tesla. In later years, Hobson was the only person who was able to persuade Tesla to interrupt his intellectual pursuits for a movie gathering.

Hobson was the author of a book about the events surrounding the sinking of collier Merrimac in which he participated as the leader of a volunteer squad.

After resigning from active duty in 1903, Hobson remained a staunch supporter of the Navy and during his subsequent career as a Democratic U.S. Representative from Alabama, 1905-1915, was a firm advocate of naval expansion. He was denied renomination in the 1914 Democratic primary. In 1934, by special act of the United States Congress, he was advanced to Naval Constructor with a rank of Rear Admiral, and placed on the retired list. Rear Admiral Hobson died 16 March 1937 in New York City. He is interred in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy.
Born: 17 August 1870, Greensboro, Ala.
Accredited to: New York. (Medal presented by President, 29 April 1933.)

Citation:

    In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the fortified harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 3 June 1898. Despite persistent fire from the enemy fleet and fortifications on shore, Lt. Hobson distinguished himself by extraordinary courage and carried out this operation at the risk of his own personal safety.

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission!

[StarCMC]

Ping ~ come to the Canteen and read about another of our country’s heroes!

[mylife]

We sure got a pile of Heros!

Have you done Oliver Hazard Perry yet?

[HiJinx]

Evenin’, Starlette.

[HiJinx]

Very interesting story.
The press seems to be a whole lot different nowadays in how they treat war heroes.

[Old Sarge]

Crowds greeted his train at many stations, and his enthusiasm for kissing admiring young women made him a sex symbol of the Victorian age.

My kinda guy!

Howdy, Star, and thank you for the thread!

[SevenofNine]

Well latest report from AFP wire reporting that Ukraine said we want be part of that missile defense shield that US try set up and Russians are not amused with Ukraine

And anohter report from BBC wire Russia is threated Poland AGAIN is that broken record or what

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hall of Heroes: Richard Pearson Hobson

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[StarCMC]

Nope — I haven’t!! :-) And you’re FIRST!!!

[StarCMC]

HEY YOU!! How are ya?

You’re SECOND!!

[StarCMC]

HA HA!! Evenin’ Sarge — and you’re THIRD!!!

[StarCMC]

Russia seems to be feeling their oats these days, eh? Evenin’ Seven!

[mylife]

Just a personal Hero

[mylife]

So was yer bike trip yo San Francisco yer first?

[mylife]

God Bless Ukraine. They are next on Russias hit list. Pussia (I was gonna fix that typo but i like it!)wants them ports.

Ukraine is giving them the finger.

They offered a naval blockade and troops for Georgia, now this.

Georgia didnt take them up on it as it would escalate things but God Bless Ukraine for the offer

[SevenofNine]

More breaking news from AFP wire report that South Osseinia is under emergency control at this hour

Also another report from BBC wire EU thanks to French President Sarozy may kick Russia out of G-8

Yeah Russians are going listen to Frogs?

YEAH RIGHT

[HopeandGlory]

Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord, Please Bless Our Troops they're fighting for our Freedom.

Prayers going up.

[mylife]

Poland too.. giving the pussians the finger

Poland is a damn fine ally

[Old Sarge]

Thank you, sweetie!

STATE FAIR NEWS: The Boy got his second and third Blue Ribbons in the Junior Division again!

Dad only pulled to red ones...

[mylife]

Dont underestimate Sarkosy