HONOR FOR ENSIGN MONAGHAN.
One of the torpedo boat destroyers recently authorized by Congress will be named Monaghan, in memory of Ensign John Robert Monaghan, U. S. N., who was killed on April 1, 1899, by hostile natives in Samoa while engaged in a reconnaissance made by a combined force of British and Americans.
Ensign Monaghan was at that time attached to the Philadelphia. The expedition ashore was in charge of Lieutenant Lansdale. Ensign Monaghan stood steadfast by his wounded superior and friend—one rifle against many—one brave man against a score of savages. He knew he was doomed. He could not yield. He died in heroic performance of duty.
Ensign Monaghan was appointed to the Naval Academy on September 7, 1891, from the State of Washington. He was a son of Hon. James Monaghan, a member of the Society, who kindly contributed to the Society’s library a valuable and interesting work entitled “Life of John Robert Monaghan, the Hero of Samoa.”