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October 28th marks 101 years since Torpedoman Second Class Henry Breault’s act of extraordinary bravery aboard USS O-5. In 1923, O-5 was in Limon Bay getting ready to transit the Panama Canal when it was a collision. Breault's citation reads:

"For heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the U.S. submarine O-5 at the time of the sinking of that vessel. On the morning of 28 October 1923, the O-5 collided with the steamship Abangarez and sank in less than a minute. When the collision occurred, Breault was in the torpedo room. Upon reaching the hatch, he saw that the boat was rapidly sinking. Instead of jumping overboard to save his own life, he returned to the torpedo room to the rescue of a shipmate who he knew was trapped in the boat, closing the torpedo room hatch on himself. Breault and Brown remained trapped in this compartment until rescued by the salvage party 31 hours later."

Breault became the first (and only enlisted) submariner awarded the Medal of Honor on March 8, 1924. His courage in the face of overwhelming danger continues to inspire generations of submariners. The values he exemplified—selflessness, commitment, and unyielding loyalty—remain the foundation of the submarine force today. Let's honor that legacy by naming SSN-814 in honor of Breault!

Let’s take a moment to honor Henry Breault and all those who have followed in his footsteps, exemplifying the best of the Silent Service.