George Taylor (Medal of Honor) facts for kids

George Taylor (born November 15, 1830 – died October 7, 1893) was a brave sailor in the Union Navy during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned this special medal for his amazing actions during the Battle of Mobile Bay.

A Brave Sailor

Taylor was born in Watertown, New York in 1830. He was living in New York when he joined the Navy. During the Civil War, he worked as an armorer on a ship called the USS Lackawanna. An armorer is someone who takes care of weapons and ammunition on a ship.

His Heroic Act

On August 5, 1864, the USS Lackawanna was fighting in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Their ship was battling another ship called the CSS Tennessee. The Lackawanna was hit by enemy shells at close range.

One of these shells exploded inside the ship, near where gunpowder was stored. This caused many injuries and set loose gunpowder on fire. The flames quickly spread towards the main powder room. This room held 17 tons of gunpowder, enough to blow up the entire ship!

Even though he was hurt on his forehead, Taylor quickly ran towards the fire. He used his bare hands to put out the dangerous flames. This incredibly brave act saved his ship and everyone on board. After putting out the fire, he went right back to his duties for the rest of the battle. His hands were badly burned, even down to the bone, from fighting the fire.

The Medal of Honor

For his amazing bravery, George Taylor was given the Medal of Honor. He received this top military award about four months later, on December 31, 1864. His actions showed incredible courage and quick thinking under extreme danger.

Taylor died on October 7, 1893, when he was 62 years old. He was buried in Paragould, Arkansas.

Images for kids

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  The Medal of Honor, awarded for extreme bravery.