George F. Brock

He braved Bennington's explosion with extraordinary courage.

George F. Brock was a carpenter’s mate second class aboard USS Bennington. He earned the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism during the ship’s explosion in San Diego Harbor on July 21, 1905.

Born in Ohio on October 18, 1872, Brock died in California on October 12, 1914. He was buried at San Francisco National Cemetery under the name George F. Rock because of a coroner’s error. His official citation recognizes his courage during the disaster without specifying his individual rescue actions.

Medal of Honor citation

Serving on board the U.S.S. Bennington for extraordinary heroism displayed at the time of the explosion of that vessel at San Diego, Cal., 21 July 1905.