Badge Awarded to Chief Engineer Charles T. Lawson for Rescue of Passengers on the S.S. Olympia. Gold. Very Fine. 38 mm, medal only, approximately 69 mm in overall length. 28 grams, 14 karat. Badge suspended from pin-back hanger bearing Lawsons name with two short chains. The front of the medal pictures a lighthouse surrounded by choppy waves, and the reverse is engraved PRESENTED TO / CHIEF ENG. CHAS T. LAWSON / OF THE S.S. JUNO / IN RESCUING THE PASSENGERS / OF THE WRECKED / S.S. OLYMPIA. / DEC. 10TH 1910. Stamped A14K at bottom. A unique item awarded to a brave individual.<p>On 10 December, 1910, the <em>S.S. Olympia</em> ran aground on Bligh Reef off Alaskas Prince William Sound and sank without loss of life. Chief Engineer Charles T. Lawson, onboard the <em>S.S. Juno</em>, assisted in rescuing the passengers who were onboard the <em>Olympia</em> and was awarded this gold medal for his heroic efforts. Following the sinking, steamboat inspectors accused Captain Daniels, in command of <em>Olympia </em>when she ran aground, of "unskillful navigation."
