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U.S. Army · United States 
David B. Burns
1925
David B. Burns served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Special Officer David Burns drowned while attempting to rescue a child who was thrown into Narragansett Bay when the boiler on the excursion ship Mackinac exploded.
The owner of the ship had invited Officer Burns and other officers on board just prior to the explosion. Fifty-three people were killed as a result of the accident.
Officer Burns was a British Army veteran of WWI.
The owner of the ship had invited Officer Burns and other officers on board just prior to the explosion. Fifty-three people were killed as a result of the accident.
Officer Burns was a British Army veteran of WWI.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Pawtucket Police Department
Special Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtntk4h1zgc3mh10skakc
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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