Crew list of Ships hit by U-boats
Thomas Joseph McTaggart
Merchant Marine. American
| Born | 23 Nov 1912 | Medford, MA | |
| Died | 23 Jul 2006 | (93) | Houston, TX |
|
Roster information listed for Thomas Joseph McTaggart
| Ship | Type | Rank / role | Attacked on | Boat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Esso Bolivar | Motor tanker | Chief Engineer | 8 Mar 1942 | U-126 |
Personal information
Son of James and Rose Anne McTaggart, of Boston, MA.
Award Citation for Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal:
For heroism and especially meritorious service under unusual hazards.
His ship, trailed in darkness by a submarine, was raked by shellfire for more than two hours, then struck by a torpedo. Remaining below in the burning ship with the Second Engineer after the abandon ships order had been given, he made sure the engines were left in condition for future operation in case salvage should prove possible. Climbing into the last lifeboat with the Second Engineer, he took charge when the chief Mate was mortally wounded by shellfire. He maneuvered the lifeboat to minimize the effect of enemy fire until the firing ceased, and when daylight came directed the rescue of several men from the water. After landing the boat he returned to the ships with help and directed salvage operations which made it possible to sail her to a nearby port for temporary repairs as the result of which this vessel is still serving the cause of the United Nations in the war.
His extraordinary courage and disregard of danger to life or limb in the protection of his vessel constitute a fidelity to trust which will be an enduring inspiration to seamen of the United States Merchant Marine everywhere.
His ship, trailed in darkness by a submarine, was raked by shellfire for more than two hours, then struck by a torpedo. Remaining below in the burning ship with the Second Engineer after the abandon ships order had been given, he made sure the engines were left in condition for future operation in case salvage should prove possible. Climbing into the last lifeboat with the Second Engineer, he took charge when the chief Mate was mortally wounded by shellfire. He maneuvered the lifeboat to minimize the effect of enemy fire until the firing ceased, and when daylight came directed the rescue of several men from the water. After landing the boat he returned to the ships with help and directed salvage operations which made it possible to sail her to a nearby port for temporary repairs as the result of which this vessel is still serving the cause of the United Nations in the war.
His extraordinary courage and disregard of danger to life or limb in the protection of his vessel constitute a fidelity to trust which will be an enduring inspiration to seamen of the United States Merchant Marine everywhere.