 He gave up his life in an attempt to reach the flooding panel through overpowering gas fumes on October 12, 1942, and for this "Gunners Mate First Class Poole" posthumously received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism and courageous devotion to duty.107 "Boise" crewmembers died in that battle., named in his honor, launched May 8, 1943 by Consolidated Steel Corporation, Orange, Texas; sponsored by Mrs. Minor Herndon Poole, mother of "Minor Butler Poole".