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List of Medal of Honor recipients in non-combat incidents facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Prior to 1963, the Medal of Honor could be awarded for actions not involving direct combat with "an enemy of the United States" or "opposing foreign force [s]" (actions against a party in which the U.S. is not directly engaged in war with). 204 men earned the medal in this way. The vast majority of the non-combat medals were awarded to members of the United States Navy for their actions during boiler explosions, man-overboard incidents, and other hazards of naval service. The list includes 10 Navy officers and men who earned the Medal of Honor for non-combat actions during the First World War and one who received it during World War II.

The last award of the Medal of Honor for valor not in combat was Francis P. Hammerberg, a United States Navy diver who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for rescuing two fellow divers at Pearl Harbor in the then Territory of Hawaii. He lost his life during rescue operations on February 17, 1945.

Given in the list below are the place and date of each recipient's Medal of Honor action, as well as their rank at the time of the action. A posthumous award is denoted by an asterisk after the recipient's name.

Medal of Honor

Main article: Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States to a member of its armed forces. Currently, the recipient must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against "an enemy of the United States" or "an opposing foreign force." Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously. A Medal of Honor in non-combat has not been presented since 1945.

List of recipients

      This with the * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

Note: Notes in quotations are derived or are copied from the official Medal of Honor citation
Image Name Service Rank Place of action Date of action Notes
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 Ahern, WilliamWilliam Ahern Navy Watertender USS Puritan (BM-1) Jul 1, 1897 For lifesaving heroism during boiler malfunction
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 Anderson, WilliamWilliam Anderson Navy Coxswain USS Powhatan Jun 28, 1878 For rescuing from drowning W. H. Moffatt, First Class Boy
Illustration with the head of a black sailor at left, a star-shaped medal on a ribbon at right, a ship next to two men in the water, one holding the other, in the background and the words "Daniel Atkins, 1892" at bottom. Atkins, DanielDaniel Atkins Navy Ship's Cook First Class USS Cushing (TB-1) Feb 11, 1898 For attempting to save from drowning, Ensign Joseph C. Breckenridge
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 Auer, John F.John F. Auer Navy Ordinary Seaman Apprentice USS Lancaster, Marseille, France Nov 20, 1883 For rescuing a drowning French boy, who had fallen from a pier
Head and shoulders of a white man wearing a dark jacket with four medals on the left breast and a star-shaped medal hanging from a ribbon around his neck. Badders, WilliamWilliam Badders Navy Chief Machinist's Mate wreck site of USS Squalus (SS-192) May 23, 1939 For his actions as a diver in rescuing the crew of the sunken USS Squalus
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 Barrett, EdwardEdward Barrett Navy Fireman Second Class USS Alaska, Callao Bay, Peru Sep 14, 1881 Saved USS Alaska from catastrophe by preventing boiler explosion
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 Bates, RichardRichard Bates Navy Seaman off Eastport, Maine May 10, 1866 For rescuing from drowning, James Rose and John Russell, seamen of USS Winooski
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 Behne, FrederickFrederick Behne Navy Fireman First Class USS Iowa (BB-4) Jan 25, 1905 Extraordinary heroism saving ship after boiler explosion
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 Behnke, HeinrichHeinrich Behnke Navy Seaman First Class USS Iowa (BB-4) Jan 25, 1905 Extraordinary heroism saving ship after boiler explosion
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 Belpitt, William H.William H. Belpitt Navy Captain of the Afterguard USS Monocacy, Fuzhou, China Oct 7, 1884 For rescuing from drowning a Chinese man, whose canoe had capsized
Profile of a white man wearing a thick coat and tight-fitting leather aviator's cap, strapped under the chin, with goggles pushed up onto his forehead. Bennett, FloydFloyd Bennett Navy Machinist over the Arctic May 9, 1926 For his part in what was thought to be the first successful heavier-than-air flight to the North Pole and back
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 Benson, JamesJames Benson Navy Seaman USS Ossipee Jun 20, 1872 For attempting to save from drowning, Landsman John K. Smith
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 Bjorkman, Ernest H.Ernest H. Bjorkman Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Leyden Jan 21, 1903 For heroism during the sinking of his ship
A young white man in a seaman uniform decorated with a star-shaped medal on the left breast, looking off into the distance. Boers, Edward W.Edward W. Boers Navy Seaman USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California Jul 21, 1905 Extraordinary heroism, while minimizing loss of life, and material damage while saving his ship, after a boiler explosion
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 Bonney, Robert E.Robert E. Bonney Navy Chief Watertender USS Hopkins (DD-6) Feb 14, 1910 For heroism during an accident to a ship's boiler
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 Bradley, AlexanderAlexander Bradley Navy Landsman USS Wachusett, off Cowes, England Aug 7, 1872 For attempting to save from drowning Landsman Philip Cassidy of USS Wabash
Willis W. Bradley cropped.jpg Bradley, Jr., Willis WinterWillis Winter Bradley, Jr. Navy O-03Lieutenant USS Pittsburgh en route to Buenos Aires, Argentina Jul 23, 1917 Entered a room containing explosives and extinguished a fire after an accidental detonation
Head and shoulders of a white man wearing a flat sailor's cap, a sailor suit with scarf tied around the neck under the collar, and a star-shaped medal hanging from a ribbon around his neck. Breault, HenryHenry Breault Navy Torpedoman's Mate Second Class USS O-5 (SS-66) Oct 28, 1923 For rescuing another sailor when submarine O-5 sank
Headshot taken from the George A Breeman memorial in Passaic, New Jersey Breeman, GeorgeGeorge Breeman Navy Seaman USS Kearsarge (BB-5) Apr 13, 1906 For actions after the accidental ignition of gunpowder
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 Bresnahan, Patrick F.Patrick F. Bresnahan Navy Watertender USS Iowa (BB-4) Jan 25, 1905 Extraordinary heroism saving ship after boiler explosion
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 Brock, George F.George F. Brock Navy Carpenter's Mate Second Class USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California Jul 21, 1905 For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded on ship
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 Brown, JohnJohn Brown Navy Captain of the Afterguard off Eastport, Maine May 10, 1866 For rescuing from drowning James Rose and John Russell, seamen of USS Winooski
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 Buchanan, David M.David M. Buchanan Navy Apprentice USS Saratoga, off Battery, New York Harbor Jul 15, 1879 Saved Apprentice Robert Lee Robey from drowning at risk of his own life
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 Burke, ThomasThomas Burke Navy Seaman off Eastport, Maine May 10, 1866 For rescuing from drowning James Rose and John Russell, seamen of USS Winooski
Richard E. Byrd cph.3b17378.jpg Byrd, Jr., Richard E.Richard E. Byrd, Jr. Navy Commander over the Arctic May 9, 1926 For leading what was thought to be the first successful heavier-than-air flight to the North Pole and back
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 Cahey, ThomasThomas Cahey Navy Seaman USS Petrel (PG-2) Mar 31, 1901 Risked his life to save others from an on-board fire
Head of a young man with full cheeks wearing a military peaked cap and looking off into the distance. Cann, Tedford H.Tedford H. Cann Navy E-03Seaman USS May Nov 5, 1917 Dove into a flooded compartment to find and plug a leak which threatened his ship
James Carey (MOH).jpg Carey, JamesJames Carey Navy Seaman USS Huron 1870 For saving 3 shipmates from drowning
Head and shoulders of a young white man with neatly combed hair wearing a dark jacket with two columns of buttons down the chest and an anchor emblem on each side of the upright collar. Cary, Robert W.Robert W. Cary Navy Ensign USS San Diego (CA-6) Jan 21, 1915 Saved 3 men's lives after boiler explosion, then led effort to prevent further boiler explosion
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 Chandron, AugustAugust Chandron Navy Seaman Apprentice Second Class USS Quinnebaug, Alexandria, Egypt Nov 21, 1885 For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman William Evans
Head of a white man with dark, slicked-back hair wearing a white sailor's cap pushed up on his forehead and a sailor suit with a dark scarf tied around the neck. Cholister, George R.George R. Cholister* Navy Boatswain's Mate First Class USS Trenton (CL-11) Oct 20, 1924 Died of burns suffered while attempting to stifle a fatal munitions fire in forward gun mount
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 Clary, Edward A.Edward A. Clary Navy Watertender USS Hopkins (DD-6) Feb 14, 1910 Extraordinary heroism in line of duty during accident to ship's boiler
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 Clausey, John J.John J. Clausey Navy Chief Gunner's Mate USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California Jul 21, 1905 For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded on ship
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 Connolly, MichaelMichael Connolly Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Plymouth, Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia Aug 7, 1876 For rescuing a citizen from drowning
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 Corahorgi, DemetriDemetri Corahorgi Navy Fireman First Class USS Iowa (BB-4) Jan 25, 1905 Extraordinary heroism saving ship after boiler explosion
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 Corey, WilliamWilliam Corey Navy Landsman USS Plymouth, Navy Yard, New York Jul 26, 1876 Heroic attempt to save life of shipmate fallen overboard from aloft
Head and shoulders of a white man with a neatly trimmed mustache wearing a military jacket with shoulder boards and two columns of buttons down the chest. Corry, Jr., William M.William M. Corry, Jr.* Navy Lieutenant Commander near Hartford, Connecticut Oct 2, 1920 For attempting to rescue a fellow officer from a burning plane; died from burns four days later
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 Costello, JohnJohn Costello Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Hartford, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Jul 16, 1876 For rescuing from drowning a landsman of USS Hartford
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 Courtney, Henry C.Henry C. Courtney Navy Seaman USS Portsmouth, Washington Navy Yard Feb 7, 1882 For rescuing from drowning Charles Taliaferro, Jack-of-the-Dust
Jesse W. Covington cropped.jpg Covington, Jesse W.Jesse W. Covington Navy E-04Ship's Cook Third class USS Stewart Apr 17, 1918 Dove overboard and rescued a man who was surrounded by boxes of explosives
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 Cox, Robert E.Robert E. Cox Navy Chief Gunner's Mate USS Missouri, off Pensacola, Florida Apr 13, 1904 For extinguishing munitions fire aboard ship, preventing its loss
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 Cramen, ThomasThomas Cramen Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Portsmouth, Washington Navy Yard Feb 7, 1882 For rescuing from drowning Charles Taliaferro, Jack-of-the-Dust
Head and torso of a man with a mustache and dark, thinning hair wearing a dark jacket with stripes on the upper sleeve, two round medals on the left breast, and a star-shaped medal hanging from a ribbon around his neck. Crandall, Orson L.Orson L. Crandall Navy Chief Boatswain's Mate wreck site of USS Squalus (SS-192) May 23, 1939 For his actions as a diver in rescuing the crew of the sunken USS Squalus
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 Creelman, William J.William J. Creelman Navy Landsman USS Maine (ACR-1) Feb 1, 1897 Heroic attempt to save life at sea
UA 57.03.05 Salvage diver.jpg Crilley, Frank W.Frank W. Crilley Navy Chief Gunner's Mate wreck site of USS F-4 (SS-23), off Honolulu, Hawaii Apr 17, 1915 For rescuing a fellow diver who had become tangled in the wreckage and trapped underwater
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 Cronan, WillieWillie Cronan Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California Jul 21, 1905 Bravery shown during ship's boiler explosion
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 Cutter, George W.George W. Cutter Navy Landsman USS Powhatan, Norfolk, Virginia May 27, 1872 For assisting in rescuing a shipmate from drowning
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 Davis, JohnJohn Davis Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Trenton, Toulon, France Feb 1, 1881 For rescuing from drowning Coxswain Augustus Ohlensen
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 Davis, Joseph H.Joseph H. Davis Navy Landsman USS Dale, off wharf at Norfolk, Virginia Jan 22, 1886 For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman John Norman
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 Davis, Raymond E.Raymond E. Davis Navy Quartermaster Third Class USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California Jul 21, 1905 For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded aboard ship
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 Dempsey, JohnJohn Dempsey Navy Seaman USS Kearsarge, Shanghai, China Jan 23, 1875 Gallantly rescued shipmate from drowning
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 Deneef, MichaelMichael Deneef Navy Captain of the Top USS Swatara, Para, Brazil Dec 1, 1875 Leaped overboard and saved shipmate from drowning
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 Denham, AustinAustin Denham Navy Seaman USS Kansas, near Greytown, Nicaragua Apr 12, 1872 Preventing further loss of life during mass drowning
Head of a young white man with hair combed back at the top and short on the sides, wearing a dark jacket with two columns of buttons down the chest and an anchor emblem on the upright collar. Drexler, Henry C.Henry C. Drexler* Navy Ensign USS Trenton (CL-11) Oct 20, 1924 Died of burns while attempting to stifle a fatal munitions fire in forward gun mount
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 Du Moulin, FrankFrank Du Moulin Navy Apprentice USS Sabine, New London Harbor Sep 5, 1867 For jumping overboard and saving Apprentice D'Orsay from drowning
Head and shoulders of a smiling white man wearing a dark peaked cap with the letters "U.S.N" on the front and a dark jacket with three medals on the left breast and a star-shaped medal hanging from a ribbon around his neck. Eadie, ThomasThomas Eadie Navy Chief Gunner's Mate USS S-4 (SS-109) wreck site, off Provincetown, Massachusetts Dec 18, 1927 For rescuing a fellow diver who had become trapped underwater
Head and shoulders of a white man with a handlebar mustache, wearing a peaked cap and a dark jacket with two rows of ribbon bars on the left breast. Several other men in similar clothing can be seen behind him. Edwards, Walter A.Walter A. Edwards Navy Lieutenant Commander USS Bainbridge (DD-246), Sea of Marmora, Turkey Dec 16, 1922 For leading the rescue of passengers on the French military transport Vinh-Long
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 Eilers, Henry A.Henry A. Eilers Navy Gunner's Mate USS Philadelphia (C-4), Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland Sep 17, 1892 Stamping out burning particles of prematurely exploded cartridge in powder magazine
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 Elmore, WalterWalter Elmore Navy Landsman USS Gettysburg Oct 1, 1878 For saving from drowning Landsman Wallace Febrey
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 Enright, JohnJohn Enright Navy Landsman USS Ranger, off Ensenada, Mexico Jan 18, 1886 Jumping overboard, Davis rescued Seamen John Bell and George Svensson from drowning
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 Everetts, JohnJohn Everetts Navy Gunner's Mate Third Class USS Cushing (TB-1) Feb 11, 1898 For attempting to save from drowning Ensign Joseph C. Breckenridge
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 Fadden, Harry DelmarHarry Delmar Fadden Navy Coxswain USS Adams Jun 30, 1903 For rescuing O.C. Hawthorne, Landsman for training, from drowning
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 Fasseur, Isaac L.Isaac L. Fasseur Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Lackawanna, Callao, Peru Jun 13, 1884 For rescuing from drowning William Cruise
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 Flannagan, JohnJohn Flannagan Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Supply Oct 26, 1878 For rescuing from drowning Seaman David Walsh
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 Floyd, EdwardEdward Floyd Navy Boilermaker USS Iowa (BB-4) Jan 25, 1905 Extraordinary heroism saving ship after boiler explosion
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 Fowler, ChristopherChristopher Fowler Navy Quartermaster USS Fortune, Point Zapotitlan, Mexico May 11, 1874 Displayed valorous conduct when ship's boat capsized, drowning part of crew
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 Fredericksen, EmilEmil Fredericksen Navy Watertender USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California Jul 21, 1905 For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded on ship
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 Gidding, CharlesCharles Gidding Navy Seaman USS Plymouth, Navy Yard, New York Jul 26, 1876 For trying to rescue a shipmate from drowning
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 Gillick, MatthewMatthew Gillick Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Lancaster, Marseille, France Nov 20, 1883 For rescuing from drowning a French boy who had fallen from a pier
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 Girandy, AlphonseAlphonse Girandy Navy Seaman USS Petrel (PG-2) Mar 31, 1901 For courage in firefighting efforts
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 Gowan, William H.William H. Gowan Navy Boatswain's Mate Coquimbo, Chile Jan 20, 1909 Bravery displayed by him during a fire
Oragraves.jpg Graves, OraOra Graves Navy E-03Seaman USS Pittsburgh en route to Buenos Aires, Argentina Jul 23, 1917 Extinguished a fire after an accidental explosion
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 Grbitch, RadeRade Grbitch Navy Seaman USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California Jul 21, 1905 For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded aboard ship
Profile of an older white man with a full, bushy beard and wire-framed glasses wearing a military jacket with shoulder boards, many medals on the left breast, and a strap running diagonally across the chest. Greely, Adolphus W.Adolphus W. Greely Army Major General various Jul 26, 1861 – Mar 27, 1908 For his lifetime of service
Head and shoulders of a dark-haired white man with a thin, drooping mustache, wearing an unbuttoned dark jacket over a checkered shirt. Halford, WilliamWilliam Halford Navy Coxswain Pacific Ocean Oct 1, 1870 Sailed 31 days in small boat to Hawaii to fetch rescuers to his marooned shipmates of USS Saginaw stranded near Midway Island.
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 Halling, LuoviLuovi Halling Navy Boatswain's Mate First Class USS Missouri Sep 15, 1904 For attempting to rescue a shipmate from drowning
Owen F P Hammerberg.jpg Hammerberg, FrancisFrancis Hammerberg* Navy Boatswain's Mate Second Class Pearl Harbor Navy Yard Feb 17, 1945 Died while rescuing two other divers from the wreckage of a sunken LST at Pearl Harbor. Hammerberg was the last person to receive the Medal of Honor for a non-combat action.
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 Handran, JohnJohn Handran Navy Seaman USS Franklin, Lisbon, Portugal Jan 9, 1876 For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
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 Harrington, DavidDavid Harrington Navy Fireman First Class USS Tallapoosa Aug 21, 1884 Remained in engine room of his sinking ship until waist deep water extinguished boiler fires, then opened safety valves
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 Hayden, JohnJohn Hayden Navy Apprentice USS Saratoga, off the Battery, New York Harbor Jul 15, 1879 For assisting in the rescue from drowning of R. L. Robey
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 Helms, John H.John H. Helms Marine Corps Sergeant USS Chicago, Montevideo, Uruguay Jan 10, 1901 For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
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 Hill, Frank E.Frank E. Hill Navy Ship's Cook First Class USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California Jul 21, 1905 For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded on ship
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 Hill, GeorgeGeorge Hill Navy Chief Quarter Gunner USS Kansas, near Greytown, Nicaragua Apr 12, 1872 Preventing further loss of life during mass drowning
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 Hill, William L.William L. Hill Navy Captain of the Top USS Minnesota, Newport, Rhode Island Jun 22, 1881 For rescuing from drowning William Mulcahy, Third Class Boy
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 Holt, GeorgeGeorge Holt Navy Quarter Gunner USS Plymouth, Hamburg Harbor Jul 3, 1871 For rescuing from drowning one of a party who was thrown from a shore boat
August Holtz (MOH).jpg Holtz, AugustAugust Holtz Navy Chief Watertender USS North Dakota (BB-29) Sep 8, 1910 For heroism in fighting fire on USS North Dakota
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 Horton, JamesJames Horton Navy Captain of the Top USS Constitution Feb 13, 1879 For going over the stern during a heavy gale and cutting the fastenings of the ship's rudder chains
Head of a white man with a very thin mustache, wearing a dark jacket over a white shirt and dark tie and a white peaked cap with an eagle-shield-anchor emblem on the front. Huber, William R.William R. Huber Navy Machinist's Mate USS Bruce (DD-329), Naval Shipyard, Norfolk, Virginia Jun 11, 1928 Risked his life and suffered severe burns rescuing Charles Bryan from steam-filled boiler room after accident
Head and shoulders of a white man with wavy hair, wearing a white military jacket with shoulder boards and a winged pin on the left breast. Hutchins, Carlton B.Carlton B. Hutchins* Navy Lieutenant off the coast of southern California Feb 2, 1938 Remained at controls of damaged seaplane, thereby saving lives of aircrew members
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 Johannessen, Johannes J.Johannes J. Johannessen Navy Chief Watertender USS Iowa (BB-4) Jan 25, 1905 Extraordinary heroism saving ship after boiler explosion
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 Johnson, JohnJohn Johnson Navy Seaman USS Kansas, near Greytown, Nicaragua Apr 12, 1872 Preventing further loss of life during mass drowning
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 Johnson, WilliamWilliam Johnson Navy Cooper USS Adams, Navy Yard, Mare Island, California Nov 14, 1879 For rescuing from drowning Daniel W. Kloppen, a workman
Head of a white man with hair parted and combed back, wearing a dark jacket over a white shirt and dark tie. Jones, Claud AshtonClaud Ashton Jones Navy Commander USS Memphis (CA-10), off Santo Domingo City, Santo Domingo Aug 29, 1916 Saved lives of crew of USS Memphis from destruction by a tsunami
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 Kersey, ThomasThomas Kersey Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Plymouth, Navy Yard, New York Jul 26, 1876 For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
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 King, HughHugh King Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Iroquois, Delaware River Sep 7, 1871 For rescuing one of the crew of USS Iroquois from drowning
Chief Water Tender John King, USN.jpg King, JohnJohn King Navy Watertender USS Salem (CL-3) Sep 13, 1909 For heroism during a boiler accident
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 King, JohnJohn King Navy Watertender USS Vicksburg (PG-11) May 29, 1901 For heroism during a boiler accident; one of only 19 two-time Medal of Honor recipients
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 Klein, RobertRobert Klein Navy Chief Carpenter's Mate USS Raleigh (C-8) Jan 25, 1904 For saving shipmates succumbing to poisonous fumes
Head of a white man wearing a dark suit and bow tie. To the lower right of the oval-shaped portrait is an illustration of a shield covered with stars and stripes, like the American flag, and a ribbon tied around the shield. Kyle, Patrick J.Patrick J. Kyle Navy Landsman USS Quinnebaug, Port Mahon, Minorca Mar 13, 1879 For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
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 Lafferty, JohnJohn Lafferty Navy Fireman First Class USS Alaska, Callao Bay, Peru Sep 14, 1881 Second award; previously received a Medal of Honor for actions during the Civil War
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 Lakin, ThomasThomas Lakin Navy Seaman USS Narragansett, Navy Yard, Mare Island, California Nov 1, 1874 For rescuing two shipmates from drowning
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 Lejeune, EmileEmile Lejeune Navy Seaman USS Plymouth, Port Royal, South Carolina Jun 6, 1876 For rescuing a citizen from drowning
Col Charles Lindbergh.jpg Lindbergh, CharlesCharles Lindbergh Air Corps Captain from New York City to Paris, France May 20, 1927 – May 21, 1927 For flying the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean
Harry Lipscomb MOH.jpg Lipscomb, HarryHarry Lipscomb Navy Watertender USS North Dakota (BB-29) Sep 8, 1910 For heroism in fighting fire aboard his ship
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 Low, GeorgeGeorge Low Navy Seaman USS Tennessee, New Orleans, Louisiana Feb 15, 1881 For rescuing from drowning N. P. Petersen, Gunner's Mate
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 Lucy, JohnJohn Lucy Navy Second Class Boy USS Minnesota, Castle Garden, New York Jul 9, 1876 For heroic conduct aboard USS Minnesota during Castle Garden immigration center fire
Head and shoulders of a man wearing a military jacket with a tie and high-collared white shirt underneath. A medal hangs from around his neck and his hat, a peaked cap, bears an anchor-shaped emblem with the letters "USN". MacKenzie, JohnJohn MacKenzie Navy E-07Chief Boatswain's Mate USS Remlik (SP-157) in the Bay of Biscay Dec 17, 1917 Secured a live depth charge
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 Maddin, EdwardEdward Maddin Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Franklin, Lisbon, Portugal Jan 9, 1876 For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
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 Magee, John W.John W. Magee Navy Fireman Second Class USS Tallapoosa Aug 21, 1884 Remained on duty in fireroom until rising waters extinguished boilers
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 Manning, Henry J.Henry J. Manning Navy Quartermaster USS New Hampshire, off Coasters Harbor Island, near Newport, Rhode Island Jan 4, 1882 For attempting to rescue from drowning Jabez Smith, Second Class Musician
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 Matthews, JosephJoseph Matthews Navy Captain of the Top USS Constitution Feb 13, 1879 For going over the stern during a heavy gale and cutting the fastenings of the ship's rudder chains
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 McCarton, JohnJohn McCarton Navy Ship's Printer USS New Hampshire, off Coasters Harbor Island, near Newport, Rhode Island Jan 4, 1882 For attempting to rescue from drowning Jabez Smith, Second Class Musician
Head and shoulders of a white man with short bristly hair wearing a dark jacket with one round medal pinned to the left breast and a star-shaped medal hanging from a ribbon around his neck. McDonald, James H.James H. McDonald Navy Chief Metalsmith wreck site of USS Squalus (SS-192) May 23, 1939 For his actions as a diver in rescuing the crew of the sunken USS Squalus
PatrickMcgunigal.jpg McGunigal, PatrickPatrick McGunigal Navy E-06Shipfitter First class USS Huntington Sep 17, 1917 Rescued the pilot of a crashed observation balloon
Head and shoulders of a white man with combed-back hair wearing a dark jacket with stripes on the upper sleeve, one round medal pinned to the left breast, and a star-shaped medal hanging from a ribbon around his neck. Mihalowski, JohnJohn Mihalowski Navy Torpedoman First Class wreck site of USS Squalus (SS-192) May 23, 1939 For his actions as a diver in rescuing the crew of the sunken USS Squalus
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 Miller, HughHugh Miller Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Quinnebaug, Alexandria, Egypt Nov 21, 1885 For assisting in rescuing a shipmate from drowning
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 Millmore, JohnJohn Millmore Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Essex, Monrovia, Liberia Oct 31, 1877 For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman John W. Powers
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 Mitchell, ThomasThomas Mitchell Navy Landsman USS Richmond, Shanghai, China Nov 17, 1879 For rescuing from drowning First Class Boy M. F. Caulan
A man sitting cross-legged on a wooden deck, wearing a plain white suit and a white peaked cap with black visor. The number "22" is written over his image, and around him are other seated men with numbers similarly written over them. Monssen, MonsMons Monssen Navy Chief Gunner's Mate USS Missouri Apr 13, 1904 Entered munitions magazine to extinguish fire with hand thrown water, then by hose
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 Moore, FrancisFrancis Moore Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Portsmouth, Washington Navy Yard Jan 23, 1882 For attempting to rescue from drowning Thomas Duncan, carpenter and calker
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 Moore, PhilipPhilip Moore Navy Seaman USS Trenton, Genoa, Italy Sep 21, 1880 For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman Hans Paulsen
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 Morris, JohnJohn Morris Marine Corps Corporal USS Lancaster, Villefranche, France Dec 25, 1881 For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman Robert Blizzard
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 Morse, WilliamWilliam Morse Navy Seaman USS Shenandoah, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Sep 19, 1880 For rescuing from drowning First Class Fireman James Grady
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 Mullin, Hugh P.Hugh P. Mullin Navy Seaman USS Texas, off Hampton Roads, Virginia Nov 11, 1899 For rescuing from drowning Apprentice Second Class Alfred Kosminski
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 Nelson, Oscar F.Oscar F. Nelson Navy Machinist's Mate First Class USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California Jul 21, 1905 For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded aboard ship
Illustration with the head of a black sailor at left, a star-shaped medal on a ribbon at right, a ship with a man jumping overboard and another man in the water in the background, and the words "Joseph Noil, 1872" at bottom. Noil, Joseph B.Joseph B. Noil Navy Seaman USS Powhatan, Norfolk, Virginia Dec 26, 1872 For saving Boatswain J. C. Walton from drowning
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 Nordstrom, IsadoreIsadore Nordstrom Navy Chief Boatswain's Mate USS Kearsarge (BB-5) Apr 13, 1906 For rescuing injured after munitions fire in forward turret
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 Norris, J. W.J. W. Norris Navy Landsman USS Jamestown, New York Navy Yard Dec 20, 1883 For rescuing A. A. George from drowning
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 O'Conner, James F.James F. O'Conner Navy Landsman USS Jean Sands, opposite the Norfolk Navy Yard Jun 15, 1880 For rescuing from drowning a young girl who had fallen overboard
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 O'Neal, JohnJohn O'Neal Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Kansas, near Greytown, Nicaragua Apr 12, 1872 Preventing further loss of life during mass drowning
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 Ohmsen, AugustAugust Ohmsen Navy Master-at-Arms USS Tallapoosa Aug 21, 1884 For lifesaving efforts during sinking of USS Tallapoosa
NH 118800 Ormsbee, F. E. (CMM) medal of honor.jpg Ormsbee, Jr., Francis E.Francis E. Ormsbee, Jr. Navy E-07Chief Machinist's Mate near the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida Sep 25, 1918 Rescued the gunner of a downed plane, tried unsuccessfully to rescue the pilot
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 Osborne, JohnJohn Osborne Navy Seaman USS Juniata (1862), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Aug 21, 1876 For rescuing from drowning an enlisted boy of USS Juniata
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 Osepins, ChristianChristian Osepins Navy Seaman USS Fortune, Hampton Roads, Virginia May 7, 1882 For rescuing from drowning Gunner's Mate James Walters
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 Parker, AlexanderAlexander Parker Navy Boatswain's Mate Mare Island Naval Shipyard Jul 25, 1876 For attempting to save a shipmate from drowning
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 Peters, AlexanderAlexander Peters Navy Boatswain's Mate First Class USS Missouri Sep 15, 1904 For attempting to rescue a shipmate from drowning
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 Pfeifer, Louis F.Louis F. Pfeifer Marine Corps Private USS Petrel (PG-2) Mar 31, 1901 "...for heroism and gallantry, fearlessly exposing his own life to danger for the saving of the others on the occasion of the fire on board that vessel." Served as Louis F. Theis during first enlistment.
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 Pile, RichardRichard Pile Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Kansas, near Greytown, Nicaragua Apr 12, 1872 Preventing further loss of life during mass drowning
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 Quick, JosephJoseph Quick Navy Coxswain Yokohama, Japan Apr 27, 1902 For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
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 Regan, PatrickPatrick Regan Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Pensacola, harbor of Coquimbo, Chile Jul 30, 1873 For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
Patrick Reid MOH.jpg Reid, PatrickPatrick Reid Navy Chief Watertender USS North Dakota (BB-29) Sep 8, 1910 For heroism in fighting fire on his ship
Charles Church Roberts (MOH).jpg Roberts, Charles C.Charles C. Roberts Navy Machinist's Mate First Class USS North Dakota (BB-29) Sep 8, 1910 For heroism in fighting fire on his ship
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 Robinson, JohnJohn Robinson Navy Captain of the Hold Pensacola Bay, Florida Jan 19, 1867 Swam ashore through heavy gale trailing rescue line needed to resupply ship so it could raise steam and avoid stranding
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 Robinson, ThomasThomas Robinson Navy Captain of the Afterguard off New Orleans, Louisiana Jul 15, 1866 For efforts to save from drowning Wellington Brocar, Landsman, of USS Tallapoosa
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 Rouning, JohannesJohannes Rouning Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Fortune, Hampton Roads, Virginia May 7, 1882 For rescuing from drowning Gunner's Mate James Walters
Rud1adj.jpg Rud, George W.George W. Rud* Navy Chief Machinist's Mate USS Memphis (CA-10), off Santo Domingo City, Santo Domingo Aug 29, 1916 Scalded to death at his engine room duty while a tsunami was destroying his ship
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 Russell, JohnJohn Russell Navy Seaman USS Trenton, Genoa, Italy Sep 21, 1880 For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman Hans Paulsen
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 Ryan, RichardRichard Ryan Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Hartford, Norfolk, Virginia Mar 4, 1876 For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
Profile of a young white man with hair thick on top and short at the sides, wearing a dark jacket with two columns of buttons down the chest and an anchor emblem on the side of the upright collar. Ryan, Thomas J.Thomas J. Ryan Navy Ensign Yokohama, Japan Sep 1, 1923 For rescuing a woman from the burning Grand Hotel, following an earthquake
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 Sadler, WilliamWilliam Sadler Navy Captain of the Top USS Saratoga, off Coasters Harbor Island, Rhode Island Jun 25, 1881 For rescuing from drowning Second Class Boy Frank Gallagher
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 Sapp, IsaacIsaac Sapp Navy Seaman USS Shenandoah, Villefranche, France Dec 15, 1871 For assisting in saving from drowning Seaman Charles Prince
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 Schepke, Charles S.Charles S. Schepke Navy Gunner's Mate First Class USS Missouri Apr 13, 1904 For extinguishing munitions fire aboard ship, preventing its loss
Head of a man wearing a dark jacket and tie and a peaked cap with an anchor and "USN" emblem on the front. Schmidt, Jr., OscarOscar Schmidt, Jr. Navy E-07Chief Gunner's Mate USS Chestnut Hill Oct 9, 1918 Rescued a wounded man from the water and attempted to rescue another
Otto Schmidt navy photo Schmidt, Otto D.Otto D. Schmidt Navy Seaman USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California Jul 21, 1905 For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded aboard ship
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 Shacklette, William S.William S. Shacklette Navy Hospital Steward USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California Jul 21, 1905 Bravery shown during ship's boiler explosion
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 Shanahan, PatrickPatrick Shanahan Navy Chief Boatswain's Mate USS Alliance May 28, 1899 For rescuing from drowning Quartermaster First Class William Steven
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 Siegel, John O.John O. Siegel Navy E-05Boatswain's Mate Second Class  Mohawk (YT-17) Nov 1, 1918 Rescued two men from a burning vessel before being trapped and collapsing from the smoke
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 Simpson, Henry L.Henry L. Simpson* Navy Fireman First Class USS Essex, Monrovia, Liberia Oct 31, 1877 For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman John W. Powers
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 Smith, Albert J.Albert J. Smith Marine Corps Private Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida Feb 11, 1921 For pulling a man from the wreckage of a crashed and burning seaplane
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 Smith, Eugene P.Eugene P. Smith Navy Chief Watertender USS Decatur (DD-5) Sep 9, 1915 For entering compartments immediately following an explosion and rescuing injured shipmates
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 Smith, JamesJames Smith Navy Seaman USS Kansas, near Greytown, Nicaragua Apr 12, 1872 Preventing further loss of life during mass drowning
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 Smith, JohnJohn Smith Navy Seaman USS Shenandoah, off Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Sep 19, 1880 For rescuing from drowning First Class Fireman James Grady
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 Smith, ThomasThomas Smith Navy Seaman USS Enterprise, off Para, Brazil Oct 1, 1878 For rescuing from drowning Coxswain William Kent
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 Smith, WilhelmWilhelm Smith Navy Gunner's Mate First Class USS New York Jan 24, 1916 For entering a compartment filled with gases and rescuing a shipmate
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 Snyder, William E.William E. Snyder Navy Chief Electrician USS Birmingham (CL-2), Hampton Roads, Virginia Jan 4, 1910 For rescuing from drowning Seaman G.H. Kephart
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 Stacy, William B.William B. Stacy Navy Seaman harbor of Cape Haiten before January 15, 1866 For rescuing from drowning one of the crew of USS Rhode Island (1861)
Thomas Stanton MOH.jpg Stanton, ThomasThomas Stanton Navy Chief Machinist's Mate USS North Dakota (BB-29) Sep 8, 1910 For heroism in fighting fire on USS North Dakota
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 Stewart, James A.James A. Stewart Marine Corps Corporal USS Plymouth, harbor of Villefranche, France Feb 1, 1872 For rescuing from drowning Midshipman Osterhaus
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 Stokes, JohnJohn Stokes Navy Chief Master-at-Arms USS New York, off Jamaica Mar 31, 1899 For helping rescue from drowning Watertender Peter Mahoney
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 Stupka, LoddieLoddie Stupka Navy Fireman First Class USS Leyden Jan 21, 1903 For heroism during sinking of his ship
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 Sullivan, James F.James F. Sullivan Navy Boatswain's Mate USS New Hampshire, Newport, Rhode Island Apr 21, 1882 For rescuing from drowning Third Class Boy Francis T. Price
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 Sweeney, Robert A.Robert A. Sweeney Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Kearsarge, at Hampton Roads, Virginia Oct 26, 1881 For assisting in saving a shipmate from drowning
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 Sweeney, Robert A.Robert A. Sweeney Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Yantic at New York Navy Yard Dec 20, 1883 For rescuing from drowning A. A. George
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 Sweeney, WilliamWilliam Sweeney Navy Landsman USS Jean Sands, opposite the Norfolk Navy Yard Jun 15, 1880 For rescuing from drowning a young girl who had fallen overboard
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 Taylor, JohnJohn Taylor Navy Seaman Brooklyn Navy Yard Sep 9, 1865 For rescuing his commander from drowning
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 Taylor, Richard H.Richard H. Taylor Navy Quartermaster USS Nipsic, Apia, Samoa Mar 16, 1889 Displayed gallantry during hurricane
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 Teytand, August P.August P. Teytand Navy Quartermaster Third Class USS Leyden Jan 21, 1903 Heroism during sinking of his ship
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 Thayer, JamesJames Thayer Navy Ship's Corporal Naval Station Norfolk Nov 16, 1879 For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
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 Thompson, HenryHenry Thompson Navy Seaman Mare Island, California Jun 27, 1878 For rescuing a man from drowning
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 Thornton, MichaelMichael Thornton Navy Seaman USS Leyden, near Boston, Massachusetts Aug 26, 1881 For rescuing from drowning Landsman Michael Drennan
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 Tobin, PaulPaul Tobin Navy Landsman USS Plymouth, Hamburg Harbor Jul 3, 1871 For rescuing from drowning one of a party who was thrown from a shore boat
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 Trinidad, TelesforoTelesforo Trinidad Navy Fireman Second Class USS San Diego (CA-6) Jan 21, 1915 Rescued R. E. Daly and another injured fireman from boiler explosion despite his own facial burns
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 Trout, James M.James M. Trout Navy Fireman Second Class USS Frolic, Montevideo Apr 20, 1877 For attempting to save a shipmate from drowning
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 Troy, JeremiahJeremiah Troy Navy Chief Boatswain's Mate USS New Hampshire, Newport, Rhode Island Apr 21, 1882 For rescuing from drowning Third Class Boy Francis T. Price
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 Turvelin, Alexander H.Alexander H. Turvelin Navy Seaman USS Trenton, Toulon, France Feb 1, 1881 For rescuing from drowning Coxswain Augustus Ohlensen
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 Upton, Frank M.Frank M. Upton Navy O-01Ensign USS Stewart Apr 17, 1918 Dove overboard and rescued a man who was surrounded by boxes of explosives
MichaelWalsh.jpg Walsh, MichaelMichael Walsh Navy Chief Machinist USS Leyden Jan 21, 1903 For heroism during sinking of his ship
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 Weisbogel, AlbertAlbert Weisbogel Navy Captain of the Mizzen Top USS Plymouth Apr 27, 1876 For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
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 Weisbogel, AlbertAlbert Weisbogel Navy Captain of the Mizzen Top USS Benicia Jan 11, 1874 For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
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 Weissel, AdamAdam Weissel Navy Ship's Cook USS Minnesota, Newport, Rhode Island Aug 26, 1881 For rescuing from drowning Captain of the Forecastle C. Lorenze
Karl Westa MOH.jpg Westa, KarlKarl Westa Navy Chief Machinist's Mate USS North Dakota (BB-29) Sep 8, 1910 For heroism in fighting fire on his ship
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 Wheeler, George H.George H. Wheeler Navy Shipfitter First Class Coquimbo, Chile Jan 20, 1909 Extraordinary heroism during a fire
Charles H Willey.jpg Willey, Charles H.Charles H. Willey Navy Machinist USS Memphis (CA-10), off Santo Domingo City, Santo Domingo Aug 29, 1916 Lifesaving actions during loss of his ship to a tsunami
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 Williams, AntonioAntonio Williams Navy Seaman USS Huron Nov 24, 1877 For courage and fidelity during loss of his ship
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 Williams, HenryHenry Williams Navy Carpenter's Mate USS Constitution Feb 13, 1879 For going over the stern during a heavy gale and performing important carpenter's work upon the rudder
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 Williams, LouisLouis Williams Navy Captain of the Hold USS Lackawanna, Honolulu, Hawaii Mar 16, 1883 For rescuing from drowning Landsman Thomas Moran
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 Williams, LouisLouis Williams Navy Captain of the Hold USS Lackawanna, Callao, Peru Jun 13, 1884 For rescuing from drowning William Cruise
Illustration of a man with dark hair and wearing a sailor suit, standing on a platform attached to a ship's mast and pulling strenuously on a rope. The platform and mast are severely tilted to the right, and sails, pulleys and other ropes can be seen. Willis, GeorgeGeorge Willis Navy Coxswain USS Tigress, off the coast of Greenland Sep 22, 1873 Singlehanded furled loose fore topgallant sail, preventing damage to ship
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 Wilson, AugustAugust Wilson Navy Boilermaker USS Puritan (BM-1) Jul 1, 1897 For lifesaving heroism during boiler malfunction
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List of Medal of Honor recipients in non-combat incidents Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.