John H. Boesch was born on 24 November 1885. After apparently
working as a civilian mariner, he was commissioned a Lieutenant
Commander in the Naval Auxiliary Reserve in June 1917 and given
command of the fleet collier Orion.
He was promoted to Commander in the Naval Reserve Force in June
1919 and continued as Orion's Commanding Officer until
mid-1922, when he also left active duty. Commander Boesch appears
to have left the Naval Reserve sometime between 1931 and 1935.
Photo #: NH 99798
Lieutenant Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF
Stands by one of the deck guns on his command, USS Orion
(Collier # 11), circa 1917-1918.
This gun appears to be a 4"/40. Note the M1903 "Springfield"
rifle attached to the gun barrel for use in sub-caliber target
practice.
Collection of Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF. Donated by Jack
Howland, 1979.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 88KB; 425 x 765 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 90433
Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF
On the bridge of his command, USS Orion (Collier # 11),
circa 1919.
Collection of Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF. Donated by Jack
Howland, 1979.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 47KB; 425 x 765 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 99797
Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF
On the bridge wing of his command, USS Orion (Collier
# 11), circa 1919.
Note engine order telegraph at left.
Collection of Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF. Donated by Jack
Howland, 1979.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 57KB; 740 x 570 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 99796
Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF
At work in the chart house of his command, USS Orion (Collier
# 11), circa 1919.
Collection of Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF. Donated by Jack
Howland, 1979.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 57KB; 740 x 445 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 90438
USS Orion (Collier # 11)
Ship's officers and mascot dog, photographed on 14 May 1920 by
A.E. Wells, of Washington, D.C.
Orion is partially visible behind them.
Her Commanding Officer, Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF, is seated
behind the dog.
Collection of Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF. Donated by Jack
Howland, 1979.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 113KB; 740 x 595 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 90443
USS Orion (AC-11)
Officers of an Imperial Japanese Naval commission visiting the
ship at New York City in 1921.
Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF, Orion's Commanding Officer,
is standing in the center of the group.
Collection of Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF. Donated by Jack
Howland, 1979.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 56KB; 740 x 575 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 99800
USS Orion (AC-11)
Japanese Naval commission members inspecting the ship, at New
York City, 1921.
Standing 4th from right, in uniform overcoat, is the ship's Commanding
Officer, Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF.
Collection of Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF. Donated by Jack
Howland, 1979.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 64KB; 740 x 595 pixels |
 |
Photo #: NH 99801
USS Orion (AC-11)
Japanese Naval commission inspecting the ship, at New York City,
1921.
Orion's Commanding Officer, Commander John H. Boesch,
USNRF, is at left, apparently welcoming the commission members
on board, or bidding them farewell.
Collection of Commander John H. Boesch, USNRF. Donated by Jack
Howland, 1979.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 61KB; 740 x 575 pixels |
 |