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A Hero from Connecticut Worthy of a Submarine — Henry Breault’s Legacy

On October 28, 1923, Torpedoman Second Class Henry Breault, a native of Putnam, Connecticut, displayed extraordinary bravery aboard USS O-5 when it sank in the Panama Canal following a collision. Instead of escaping, he reentered the submerged submarine to rescue a trapped shipmate, Lawrence Brown—remaining in the torpedo room for 31 hours until both were rescued .

He was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Calvin Coolidge on March 8, 1924, becoming the first—and to date only—enlisted submariner to receive this honor . Breault served in the U.S. Navy until his death on December 5, 1941, at the Newport Naval Hospital, just two days before Pearl Harbor .

Over the decades, Breault’s legacy has been preserved through memorials:

A pier in Pearl Harbor (1999)

A memorial at Naval Station New London in Groton, CT (2001)

A footbridge in Putnam, CT (2003) .

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The Campaign to Name a Submarine After Henry Breault

Petition Launch & Growth

On July 28, 2024, former submariner and author Ryan C. Walker, executive director of the USS Henry Breault Association and author of The Silent Service’s First Hero, launched a Change.org petition urging the Navy to name a future Virginia-class submarine USS Henry Breault .

As of now, the petition has amassed over 2,466 verified signatures .

Why Breault Meets the Mark

In his CIMSEC article (October 28, 2024), Ryan Walker underscores three compelling reasons for this naming:

1. Legacy of selfless heroism—Breault’s motto “Ship, Shipmate, Self” lives on in submarine culture.
2. Recruitment and retention benefits—a visible tribute to enlisted valor strengthens morale and public pride.
3. Naming tradition flexibility—Virginia-class subs, originally named for states, now include people, cities, and regions; Breault deserves similar recognition .

Community Recognition

March 8, 2025: The Town of Putnam officially declared “Henry Breault Day”, celebrated with veterans, dignitaries, and citizens, including representatives from USSVI, American Legion, VFW, and local government .

Ongoing engagement includes the USS Henry Breault Association’s work and social media updates noting that as of a few days ago, only about five more signatures are needed to reach 2,500 supporters .

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How to Support & Learn More

Resource Description

Sign & Share the Petition Show your support at Change.org for naming a Virginia-class submarine after Henry Breault
Read The Silent Service’s First Hero Author Ryan Walker’s biography honoring Breault,
CIMSEC Article Insightful analysis by Ryan C. Walker on naming significance
Putnam Town Coverage Coverage of Henry Breault Day and community tributes,
USS Henry Breault Association Nonprofit organization advocating for the naming effort (via Facebook/social media)
Additional Documentation PDF materials with position statements and contact info for submissions

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Contact & Outreach Opportunities

While specific contact info (emails, phone numbers) for decision-makers like the Secretary of the Navy are not publicized via these sources, here’s how you can engage:

USS Henry Breault Association: Visit their Facebook page for updates and possible direct contact channels .

Town of Putnam & Local Officials: Chief supporters include Mayor Barney Seney, State Senators Jeff Gordon and Mae Flexer, and organizations like USSVI—connecting through town or state websites may yield avenues for community advocacy .

Change.org Updates: Petition page often includes “Media inquiries” and “Support now” options for reaching organizers like Ryan Walker .

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Conclusion: A Proud Calling for a Hero

Henry Breault’s story is one of extraordinary courage, devotion, and sacrifice. As the only enlisted submariner ever to receive the Medal of Honor, his name embodies the submarine force’s ethos. The campaign to name a Virginia-class submarine USS Henry Breault is not just a tribute—it’s a beacon to inspire future generations and to affirm that the Navy remembers its heroes.

With strong petition backing, institutional recognition, and growing media engagement, the moment is ripe. If you’re moved by this story, your signature, voice, and outreach can help make USS Henry Breault a reality.