Andrew Jones (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Jones
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|---|---|
| Born | 1835 Limerick, Ireland |
| Died | ? |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Rank | Chief Boatswain's Mate |
| Unit | USS Vincennes USS Chickasaw |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of Mobile Bay |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Andrew Jones was a brave sailor in the U.S. Navy during the American Civil War. He was born in 1835, but we don't know when he passed away. He earned the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award a U.S. military member can receive. He got this special award for his amazing actions during the Battle of Mobile Bay.
Andrew Jones's Life and Service
Andrew Jones was born in 1835 in Limerick, a city in Ireland. He later moved to the United States and lived in New York. That's where he decided to join the U.S. Navy.
During the Civil War, Andrew Jones served as a Chief Boatswain's Mate. This job meant he was a senior sailor in charge of a ship's deck crew and equipment. He first served on a ship called the USS Vincennes.
Heroism at Mobile Bay
Even though their time in the Navy was almost over, Andrew Jones and another sailor named James Seanor chose to keep fighting. They volunteered to transfer to a different ship, the USS Chickasaw. This was so they could take part in the important Battle of Mobile Bay.
The battle happened on August 5, 1864. During this intense fight, Jones and Seanor "carried out [their] duties gallantly." This means they performed their tasks with great courage and skill. Because of their brave actions, both Jones and Seanor received the Medal of Honor. They were given this award about four months later, on December 31, 1864.
Medal of Honor Citation
The official words describing why Andrew Jones received the Medal of Honor are:
Served as chief boatswain's mate on board the U.S. Ironclad Chickasaw, Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Although his enlistment was up, Jones volunteered for the battle of Mobile Bay, going on board the Chickasaw from the Vincennes where he then carried out his duties gallantly throughout the engagement with the enemy which resulted in the capture of the rebel ram Tennessee.
This citation explains that Jones showed great bravery. He volunteered for a dangerous battle even though he didn't have to. His actions helped the U.S. Navy capture a powerful enemy ship, the Tennessee.
