US Navy ship to be named after Filipino American Medal of Honor winner

The campaign to name a US Navy ship after a Filipino American hero will become a reality, announced Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.

Del Toro announced Thursday, May 19, that a future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer will be named USS Telesforo Trinidad (DDG 139), honoring Fireman 2nd Class Telesforo De La Cruz Trinidad, the only Filipino in the U.S. Navy to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

“My first time learning about Petty Officer Trinidad’s story was as a midshipman at the Naval Academy and since being sworn in as secretary, I have wanted to honor his heroic actions by naming a ship after him,” said Del Toro. “This ship and her future crew will be a critical piece in strengthening our maritime superiority while also emphasizing the rich culture and history of our naval heritage.”

Trinidad was born Nov. 25, 1890, in Aklan Province, Panay, Philippine Islands.

The Asian American community has been campaigning towards the goal of honoring Trinidad for several years. They said a named ship would also honor the tens of thousands of Filipinos and Americans of Filipino descent who have served in the U.S. Navy since 1901, when the Philippines was a United States territory.

"It's incredibly important to honor the bravery of this man, especially as we see this rise in anti-Asian sentiment, to really show that the Asian American community has a long history of service to our country, and it's time we honor that," said San Diego Congresswoman Sarah Jacobs.

On 21 January 1915, while steaming in the Gulf of California as part of the naval patrol established to protect U.S. interests and citizens in México, the captain of San Diego (Armored Cruiser No. 6) decided to conduct a four-hour full-speed and endurance trial to determine if the cruiser could still maintain its officially rated flank speed. 

At the end of the trials an obstructed tube of one of the ship's boilers gave way, creating an eventual chain reaction of other boilers. The first explosion, in the No. 2 boiler, forced Trinidad from the fireroom as Ensign R. W. Cary, Jr. was closing the door. 

Trinidad then realized that his crewmate, Fireman Second Class R. W. Daly, was still inside. Risking his own life, Trinidad re-entered the smoke-filled fireroom and carried him out to safety while Ensign Cary secured the door. 

However, as Trinidad carried Daly through the No. 4 fireroom, an explosion of the No. 3 boiler hit Trinidad, burning him in the face. After seeing Daly to safety and in spite of his own injury, Trinidad then assisted in rescuing another injured crewman from the No. 3 fireroom.

In gratitude for his bravery, the Navy awarded Trinidad the Medal of Honor and a $100 gratuity. 

Trinidad passed away at the age of 77 on May 8,1968 in Imus, Cavite, Republic of the Philippines.

“I am pleased to honor Trinidad’s life and legacy today — especially during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month,” said Del Toro. “Having a ship named after such a significant figure highlights our diverse culture and that our people will always be our strategic advantage against any adversary. I hope the naming of this ship is a beacon for not only Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders but for all our Sailors, Marines and civilians who serve across the Department of the Navy. The service and sacrifice of these men and women have made our military and our nation stronger and better.”

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