Location: Webb Park, Weymouth, MA
Date Of Visit: July, 2023
We all consider ourselves brave, fearless and calm under pressure. But, what would we really do when faced with a life or death scenario? In all likelihood, we would fall short of our expectations.
Commander Donald F Haviland faced this very same scenario on February 23, 1945. He, however, made a much different decision.
While transporting Norwegian refugees from Russia on the SS Henry Bacon, the ship Haviland was on encountered a heavy gale. The ship had to be taken out of Convoy RA 64 to make repairs from the damage resulting from the gale. This left the SS Henry Bacon vulnerable and German air fighters took advantage. Twenty three German planes attacked the SS Henry Bacon. Despite the USS Henry Bacon shooting down several planes and warding off most of the attackers, the ship did sustain one hit which made the USS Henry Bacon founder.
As the ship was sinking, it was determined there was not enough life boats for all the refugees and personnel. Upon hearing this information, Chief Engineer Haviland, he forfeited his life boat so that a younger man could take his place on in the life boat. Haviland went down with the ship.
Haviland earned the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal posthumously for his selfless act of heroism.
This memorial always gives me pause when I visit Webb Memorial State Park. What would we do in this situation? Would we have the same brave and selfless spirit? Likely no. But, Haviland and people of his ilk are a different breed. The valor he displayed is truly remarkable.
Each Fourth of July and other days of remembrance, flowers, flags, shells, rocks and other displays of tribute are left at Haviland’s memorial.
A photo of Haviland was also placed upon the memorial during my visit.
Admiral Emory Scott Land put it best in regards to Haviland’s sacrifice when he stated Haviland’s “unselfish action in sacrificing his life to save a shipmate constitutes a degree of heroism in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Merchant Marine.”
New England Nomad 
July 23rd, 2023 at 6:48 pm
Such a touching story. Reminds me of one I heard of a crewman on the Titanic who gave his lifejacket to a woman who didn’t have one and asked her to pray for him if she were saved.
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July 23rd, 2023 at 11:08 pm
It is heartwarming and remarkable to hear stories like these selfless acts, especially when you only seem to hear about the negative and bad things.
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July 24th, 2023 at 5:49 pm
Indeed.
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July 24th, 2023 at 12:48 pm
What a remarkable story. Thanks for sharing
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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July 25th, 2023 at 12:51 pm
CommanderHavilandman was a man who fully deserved every memorial we cared to give him. I fear that I do not have such bravery sleeping quietly inside me, although apparently nobody really knows until the moment comes.
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July 25th, 2023 at 11:01 pm
You are absolutely correct! We never know until it happens. Many people in the fire department, law enforcement are “regular people” who rise to the moment.
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March 30th, 2024 at 9:20 am
Wayne, thanks for the post. This is a remarkable story, one our family is very proud of and think about every Memorial Day. The merchant marines suffered the most losses as a percentage of enlisted during WWII (more than the Army, Marines, or Navy). It was not easy duty!
Robert Haviland Leavens
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March 30th, 2024 at 2:32 pm
Thank you for stopping by and reading and commenting Robert! I don’t think people realize how much the merchant marines sacrificed and fought so hard. Donald is an inspiration for us all to look up to!
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