Photo Courtesy Rufus Reeves

On June 14, 1960, a tragedy occurred. During an oxygen charging evolution a rupture in the charging hose caused a violent fire and torpedo explosions in the Stern Room. The oxygen-fueled fire was so intense that the after portion of the ship had to be submerged, with the hatches open, to extinguish it. A Board of Investigation found that the explosion was not the result of any action or omission by any SARGO personnel. James E. Smallwood MM3(SS) lost his life in the fire while taking action to save the ship. He was awarded, posthumously, the Navy and Marine Corp Medal for his heroic actions and other crew members were also recognized for outstanding courage over and above the call of duty.