One hundred years ago today, exactly at 2:15 p.m. (when we published this post), Captain A.H. Rostron was awarded a Congressional Medal in the  East Room of the White House. President Taft (in the final days of his administration) presided over the event, presenting the award to Rostron for “acts of unusual heroism,” saving the lives of 700 passengers.

Make sure you read our old post from the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking, with another connection to President Taft.