Bartlett Laffey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bartlett Laffey
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|---|---|
| Born | 1841 County Galway, Ireland |
| Died | March 22, 1901 (aged 59–60) Chelsea, Massachusetts, US |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Navy Union Navy |
| Rank | Seaman |
| Unit |  USS Marmora |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Bartlett Laffey (born 1841 – died 1901) was a brave sailor in the United States Navy. He was born in Ireland and later received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for military bravery in the United States.
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Bartlett Laffey's Early Life and Service
Bartlett Laffey was born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1841. When he was older, he moved to America. On March 17, 1862, he joined the United States Navy from Massachusetts.
He was assigned to a special type of boat called a stern wheel gunboat. This boat was named the USS Marmora. It was used during the American Civil War.
A Heroic Moment in Battle
On March 5, 1864, a big battle happened in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Soldiers from the Confederate army launched a strong attack on the Union forces.
During this intense fight, Laffey showed incredible courage. He helped bring a 12-pound howitzer (a type of cannon) and its crew into position. Even though enemy rifle fire was hitting the gun and damaging it, Laffey stayed right by his cannon.
His bravery helped a lot in pushing back the strong Confederate attack. Because of his heroic actions, Seaman Laffey was given the Medal of Honor. Two other sailors who were part of his gun crew, James Stoddard and William J. Franks, also received this special medal.
Bartlett Laffey passed away in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on March 22, 1901.
Ships Named After Bartlett Laffey
To honor Bartlett Laffey's bravery, two ships in the United States Navy were named after him.
The first ship was called the USS Laffey (DD-459). It was a fast warship known as a destroyer. Bartlett Laffey's granddaughter, Miss Eleanor Fogerty, helped launch this ship in 1941. Sadly, this ship was lost during a big naval battle in 1942.
The second ship named after him was the USS Laffey (DD-724). This was also a destroyer, built in 1943. It served in the Navy until 1975. This second USS Laffey was named to honor both the first ship and Seaman Laffey himself. Today, the second USS Laffey is a museum ship. You can visit it to learn about its history and the brave sailors who served on it. It is also recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
See also
