Christopher Nugent (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christopher Nugent
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| Born | 1838 County Cavan, Ireland |
| Died | May 6, 1898 (aged 59–60) |
| Place of burial |
Saint Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, New York
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| Allegiance |  United States of AmericaUnion |
| Service/ |
 United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1858 - 1865 |
| Rank |  Orderly sergeant |
| Unit | USS Fort Henry (1862) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Christopher Nugent (born 1838, died 1898) was a brave Marine. He served in the United States Marine Corps. He earned the Medal of Honor. This is America's highest award for bravery. He received it for his actions during the American Civil War.
Nugent was born in Ireland. He later moved to the United States. He then joined the Marine Corps. He served on several ships. One of these was the USS Fort Henry. He saw action during the Civil War while on this ship. He became the third Marine ever to receive the Medal of Honor. This was for a daring mission in Florida. He led a team that made enemy soldiers retreat. They also captured weapons and destroyed enemy gear.
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Who Was Christopher Nugent?
Christopher Nugent was born in 1838. His birthplace was County Cavan, Ireland. He joined the Marine Corps in 1858. He signed up in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Nugent served on many different ships. Eventually, he joined the USS Fort Henry. He was an orderly sergeant on this steamer. This was a special rank.
A Daring Mission in Florida
On June 15, 1863, Sergeant Nugent led a small group. Their mission was to explore an area. This was along the Crystal River in Florida. They were about six miles up the river. There, they found a small enemy fort. It was called a "breastwork."
Nugent left their boat with two men. He then led four others to attack the fort. There was a woman among the enemy soldiers. Nugent ordered his men not to shoot. He wanted to make sure she was safe.
Even without firing, they drove the enemy away. The enemy soldiers had to run into a swamp. A rebel officer shot at Nugent. The bullet hit his cap box on his belt. Luckily, Nugent was not hurt.
The enemy left behind weapons and documents. Nugent and his Marines captured these items. They took what they needed. They destroyed the rest. This made sure the enemy could not use them again.
Another Brave Act
On July 30, 1863, Nugent showed his bravery again. This happened near Depot Key, Florida. He and other crew members captured a boat. Inside were two men and a woman. They had their belongings with them. They were Union supporters. They were trying to escape from the area. They were in danger of drowning.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
Because of these brave actions, Nugent was recommended for the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for bravery in the United States. His medal was approved on April 16, 1864. This made him the third Marine in history to get this award.
His award citation described his actions. It mentioned his bravery on the Crystal River. He led the assault on the rebel fort. He drove 11 rebels into the swamp. He captured their weapons. He destroyed their camp gear. He also bravely held fire to protect the woman. The citation also noted his courage on July 30, 1863. He captured the boat with the two men and a woman.
Later Life and Legacy
Nugent left the Marine Corps on October 9, 1865. However, his official discharge certificate was not issued until 1901. This was three years after he passed away.
Christopher Nugent died on May 6, 1898. He is buried at Saint Raymond Cemetery. This cemetery is in the Bronx, New York.
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