On June 11, 1928, a deadly boiler accident rocked the USS Bruce at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Without hesitation, MM William Huber rushed into a steam-filled fireroom, fully aware it could kill him. Through blinding heat and searing pain, he carried a fellow sailor to safety. Despite suffering severe burns to his arms and neck, Huber went back below to search for more survivors. His grit, courage, and selfless sacrifice went far beyond the call of duty, earning him the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For display of extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession on 11 June 1928, after a boiler accident on the U.S.S. Bruce, then at the Naval Shipyard, Norfolk, Va. Immediately on becoming aware of the accident, Huber without hesitation and in complete disregard of his own safety, entered the steam-filled fireroom and at grave risk to his life succeeded by almost superhuman efforts in carrying Charles H. Byran to safety. Although having received severe and dangerous burns about the arms and neck, he descended with a view toward rendering further assistance. The great courage, grit, and determination displayed by Huber on this occasion characterized conduct far above and beyond the call of duty.

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