Today, we honor the remarkable life of Henry Breault, born on October 14, 1900, in Putnam, Connecticut. As we celebrate his birthday, we remember the courage and dedication that defined his service and the profound impact he left on the U.S. Navy and the Submarine Force. His legacy is a testament to the strength of character that not only earned him the Medal of Honor but also cemented his place as an American hero.
From a young age, Breault was drawn to the call of the sea. At sixteen, he joined the British Royal Navy, where he spent four years before making the bold decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy. His commitment to duty and his shipmates would soon place him in the spotlight of submarine history.
On October 28, 1923, aboard the USS O-5 (SS-66), Breault made the courageous decision that would define his legacy. When the submarine was struck by the SS Abangarez in the Panama Canal and began sinking rapidly, Breault could have saved himself. But instead, he chose to return to the torpedo room, where his fellow sailor, Chief Electrician’s Mate Lawrence Brown, was unaware of the catastrophe unfolding above. Together, they sealed themselves inside the rapidly flooding vessel, facing a perilous wait as rescue teams worked tirelessly to lift the submarine from the ocean floor.
For 31 hours, Breault and Brown were trapped underwater, their survival dependent on the skill and persistence of the salvage crew above. It was Breault’s selfless actions, putting the life of his shipmate before his own, that would lead to his receiving the Medal of Honor—making him the only enlisted submariner to ever receive the award for actions aboard a U.S. submarine.
Today, as we celebrate Henry Breault’s birthday, we reflect on the values he embodied: bravery, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to those he served alongside. His legacy as a submariner and a Medal of Honor recipient continues to inspire generations of sailors who follow in his footsteps.
Though Breault passed away on December 5, 1941, after a long and distinguished career, his spirit lives on in the story of his bravery and the lessons of honor and sacrifice he left behind. On this special day, we celebrate not only the heroism of Henry Breault but the extraordinary life he lived, a life devoted to his country and his fellow sailors.
Happy Birthday, Henry Breault. Your legacy will always be remembered, and your story will continue to inspire.
