In late October of 1923, the thick, humid air of the Panama Canal Zone hung heavy as the USS O-5, one of the Navy’s small coastal submarines, navigated the waters in a routine maneuver. It was business as usual for the crew, a quiet Sunday morning in Panama. But in a single moment, everything would change. A sudden and disastrous collision with the freighter Abangarez plunged the O-5 into the canal’s murky depths. Men scrambled to escape, but some were trapped inside as the submarine sank. Today, we’re recounting the incredible story of a man whose bravery would define the meaning of courage: Torpedoman Second Class Henry Breault, a man who risked his life in a split-second decision to save a fellow sailor. This is the story of the USS O-5, a tragic accident, and a hero who went beyond duty to save a life.
The USS O-5 was part of the Navy’s “O-Class” submarines, built in the early 1910s for coastal defense and training. Compact, with limited range and armament, these submarines weren’t meant for long-distance missions or high-profile battles but for training exercises and shoreline defense—a critical role in the years following the Great War. At around 170 feet long with a maximum depth of 200 feet, the O-5 was a resilient vessel of modest capability.
Life aboard the O-5 was one of routine and discipline. The crew of 16 men endured close quarters, endless drills, and the relentless heat and humidity of Panama. Among them was Henry Breault, a Vermont native known for his quiet strength and commitment to duty. Breault had joined the Navy young, finding pride in his role. The Panama Canal Zone was challenging, but the O-5 had become home for Breault and his crewmates—a tight-knit community, unaware of the test of loyalty and bravery that lay just hours ahead.
Early on October 28, the O-5 was moving steadily through the canal when, suddenly, a shadow overtook them. The freighter *Abangarez*, operated by the United Fruit Company, was bearing down on the small submarine. In a terrible, thunderous moment, metal clashed against metal as the *Abangarez* struck the O-5 broadside, splitting its hull and sending it downward fast. The submarine immediately began taking on water, and within seconds, it was sinking. Seawater surged in, flooding compartments as the O-5 settled at the canal floor, 42 feet below the surface. Some men escaped to the surface, but others were trapped, clinging to the hope of rescue.
Above, the surviving crew and nearby vessels sprang into action. The canal echoed with shouts for help as sailors and canal workers rushed to the scene, desperate to save the men trapped below. The chaos of the rescue efforts mounted with each passing second; the oxygen supply was running dangerously low inside the submarine. It was in this harrowing moment that Henry Breault, who had made it safely to the surface, chose to dive back down. Driven by a sense of duty few could imagine, he returned to the O-5 to find a trapped crewmate, Chief Electrician’s Mate Lawrence T. Brown, embarking on an act of courage that would define his legacy.
Breault reached the surface, gasping for air amid the turmoil, but when he realized Brown was still inside, he didn’t hesitate. Taking a deep breath and steeling himself for what lay ahead, Breault dove back into the sinking O-5. Through the darkness and cold, he pushed forward, reaching Brown and guiding him to the forward torpedo room, the last area with breathable air. Together, they waited, trapped in the silence, with only the groans of the submarine’s metal structure to remind them of their peril. Rationing what little oxygen remained, they waited, their hopes fading as the hours wore on.
As word spread, an emergency rescue mission sprang into action. Navy divers and canal workers joined forces, aware that time was against them. The oxygen inside the sub was dangerously low, and each movement to lift the wrecked vessel brought the risk of collapse. Divers worked tirelessly to locate the forward torpedo room, where Breault and Brown were trapped. After hours of painstaking effort, on October 29, the team lifted the forward section of the sub just enough to pry open a hatch, finally reaching the two men. As Breault and Brown emerged, blinking in the daylight, they were met with cheers, relief, and awe. Against all odds, they had survived.
News of the O-5 disaster and Breault’s heroism swept across the nation. For his extraordinary courage, Breault was awarded the Medal of Honor—the highest military decoration in the United States. It was a rare honor, one of the few ever awarded for actions on a submarine and even rarer during peacetime. Breault’s decision to re-enter the sinking sub to save a fellow sailor demonstrated a selflessness that went beyond the call of duty, embodying the very spirit of loyalty and sacrifice. This act placed Breault among an elite group of American heroes, his bravery setting a standard for submariners and sailors alike.
Breault’s actions on that fateful day became a symbol of the courage it takes to protect one’s comrades, even in the face of unthinkable danger. His legacy stands as a testament to the strength of character that defines America’s heroes—a story of valor that will inspire generations to come.
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