The first USS Leyden was a screw steamer that operated as a tug in the U.S. Navy from 1866 to 1903 and saw combat service in the Spanish–American War in 1898.
History
The small boat under the stern of the sinking Jorge Juan is Leyden's gig, recovering the Spanish colours
From 1898 to 1903, Leyden alternated her services between the Caribbean and Newport, Rhode Island. While on a return passage from Puerto Rico on 21 January 1903, the tug foundered in heavy fog off Block Island, ending her lengthy career.[1] Ordinary Seaman Ernest H. Bjorkman, Fireman First Class Loddie Stupka, Quartermaster Third Class August P. Teytand, and Chief Machinist Michael Walsh received the Medal of Honor "for heroism at the time of the wreck of that vessel".[4]
Cressman, Robert J. (29 July 2015). "Leyden I (Screw Steamer)". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 3 July 2018. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.