William J. Sharkey (US Navy officer)

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William J. Sharkey (March 20, 1885 – October 5, 1918) was a United States Navy officer who served during World War I. Born in Auburn, New York, he rose from enlisted service to become a Chief Gunner's Mate. He was commissioned as an Ensign on March 15, 1918, and served aboard the submarine USS O-5. On October 5, 1918, fumes were reported in the after battery room, and Sharkey, then a Lieutenant (junior grade), died trying to prevent an explosion.