United States Marine. A Private and member of the United States Marine Corps contingent assigned to the American battleship "USS Maine, he became known as the "The Nation's Hero - Sergeant Major William Anthony" for his coolness and discipline after the vessel blew up in Havana Harbor, Cuba on February 15, 1898. After the explosion tore through the ship, he reported to it's commander, Captain Charles Sigsbee "Excuse me sir - I have to report that the ship has been blown up and is sinking". His adherence to duty, his remaining at his post, and his reporting what just happened to his Captain rather than trying to save his own life became known in the days after the explosion, and he was feted for his heroic discipline, becoming a minor celebrity for a few months afterward, even appearing in a musical, "Red White and Blue." He served in the Marine Corp from 1895 to 1898. After his discharge at the rank of Sergeant Major, he was unable to hold down a job, dealt with depression and alcoholism., and committed suicide in November 1899 by drinking a phial of "tincture of cocaine" with in New York City, New York's Central Park. The United States Navy would honor him with two ships name for him - the World War I-era "Wickes" class destroyer "USS Anthony" (DD-172)and the World War II-era "Fletcher" class destroyer "USS Anthony" (DD-515).
United States Marine. A Private and member of the United States Marine Corps contingent assigned to the American battleship "USS Maine, he became known as the "The Nation's Hero - Sergeant Major William Anthony" for his coolness and discipline after the vessel blew up in Havana Harbor, Cuba on February 15, 1898. After the explosion tore through the ship, he reported to it's commander, Captain Charles Sigsbee "Excuse me sir - I have to report that the ship has been blown up and is sinking". His adherence to duty, his remaining at his post, and his reporting what just happened to his Captain rather than trying to save his own life became known in the days after the explosion, and he was feted for his heroic discipline, becoming a minor celebrity for a few months afterward, even appearing in a musical, "Red White and Blue." He served in the Marine Corp from 1895 to 1898. After his discharge at the rank of Sergeant Major, he was unable to hold down a job, dealt with depression and alcoholism., and committed suicide in November 1899 by drinking a phial of "tincture of cocaine" with in New York City, New York's Central Park. The United States Navy would honor him with two ships name for him - the World War I-era "Wickes" class destroyer "USS Anthony" (DD-172)and the World War II-era "Fletcher" class destroyer "USS Anthony" (DD-515).
Bio by: Joe Fodor
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