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

The Medal of Honor is the highest award a military member can get in the United States. Before 1963, it could be given for brave actions that didn't involve fighting an enemy. These were often for saving lives during accidents or other dangers. About 204 people earned this medal for such non-combat actions. Most of these heroes were from the United States Navy. They earned their medals during things like boiler explosions, when someone fell overboard, or other risky situations at sea. This list includes 10 Navy members who received the medal during World War I and one during World War II.

The very last time the Medal of Honor was given for bravery not in combat was to Francis P. Hammerberg. He was a U.S. Navy diver. He bravely tried to save two other divers at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Sadly, he lost his life during this rescue on February 17, 1945.

Below, you'll find a list of these brave people. It shows where and when they acted, and what their rank was at the time. If a medal was given after the person had passed away, it has a star (*) next to their name.

The Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor was first created during the American Civil War. It's the highest military award given by the United States to someone in its armed forces. Today, to receive it, a person must show extreme bravery. They must risk their own life far beyond what is expected, while fighting "an enemy of the United States" or "an opposing foreign force." Because of how dangerous these actions usually are, the medal is often given after the person has died.

A Medal of Honor for actions not involving combat hasn't been given since 1945.

Brave Actions in Peacetime

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

Note: The descriptions below are taken from the official Medal of Honor awards.

Image	Name	Service	Rank	Place of action	Date of action	Notes
—	Ahern, WilliamWilliam Ahern	Navy	Watertender	USS Puritan (BM-1)	Jul 1, 1897	Saved lives during a boiler problem.
—	Anderson, WilliamWilliam Anderson	Navy	Coxswain	USS Powhatan	Jun 28, 1878	Rescued W. H. Moffatt from drowning.
Illustration of Daniel Atkins, a Navy cook who attempted to save an Ensign from drowning.	Atkins, DanielDaniel Atkins	Navy	Ship's Cook First Class	USS Cushing (TB-1)	Feb 11, 1898	Tried to save Ensign Joseph C. Breckenridge from drowning.
—	Auer, John F.John F. Auer	Navy	Ordinary Seaman Apprentice	USS Lancaster, Marseille, France	Nov 20, 1883	Rescued a French boy who fell from a pier and was drowning.
William Badders, a Chief Machinist's Mate, who helped rescue the crew of a sunken submarine.	Badders, WilliamWilliam Badders	Navy	Chief Machinist's Mate	wreck site of USS Squalus (SS-192)	May 23, 1939	As a diver, he helped rescue the crew of the sunken USS Squalus.
—	Barrett, EdwardEdward Barrett	Navy	Fireman Second Class	USS Alaska, Callao Bay, Peru	Sep 14, 1881	Saved USS Alaska from a disaster by stopping a boiler explosion.
—	Bates, RichardRichard Bates	Navy	Seaman	off Eastport, Maine	May 10, 1866	Rescued James Rose and John Russell from drowning.
—	Behne, FrederickFrederick Behne	Navy	Fireman First Class	USS Iowa (BB-4)	Jan 25, 1905	Showed amazing heroism saving the ship after a boiler exploded.
—	Behnke, HeinrichHeinrich Behnke	Navy	Seaman First Class	USS Iowa (BB-4)	Jan 25, 1905	Showed amazing heroism saving the ship after a boiler exploded.
—	Belpitt, William H.William H. Belpitt	Navy	Captain of the Afterguard	USS Monocacy, Fuzhou, China	Oct 7, 1884	Rescued a Chinese man from drowning after his canoe flipped over.
Floyd Bennett, a Machinist, who was part of the first flight to the North Pole.	Bennett, FloydFloyd Bennett	Navy	Machinist	over the Arctic	May 9, 1926	For his role in what was believed to be the first successful flight to the North Pole and back.
—	Benson, JamesJames Benson	Navy	Seaman	USS Ossipee	Jun 20, 1872	Tried to save Landsman John K. Smith from drowning.
—	Bjorkman, Ernest H.Ernest H. Bjorkman	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Leyden	Jan 21, 1903	Showed heroism when his ship was sinking.
Edward W. Boers, a Seaman, who showed heroism during a boiler explosion.	Boers, Edward W.Edward W. Boers	Navy	Seaman	USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California	Jul 21, 1905	Showed amazing heroism, saving his ship and many lives after a boiler exploded.
—	Bonney, Robert E.Robert E. Bonney	Navy	Chief Watertender	USS Hopkins (DD-6)	Feb 14, 1910	For heroism during a ship's boiler accident.
—	Bradley, AlexanderAlexander Bradley	Navy	Landsman	USS Wachusett, off Cowes, England	Aug 7, 1872	Tried to save Landsman Philip Cassidy from drowning.
Willis W. Bradley, a Lieutenant, who put out a fire in a room with explosives.	Bradley, Jr., Willis WinterWillis Winter Bradley, Jr.	Navy	O-03Lieutenant	USS Pittsburgh en route to Buenos Aires, Argentina	Jul 23, 1917	Entered a room full of explosives and put out a fire after an accidental blast.
Henry Breault, a Torpedoman's Mate, who rescued a sailor from a sinking submarine.	Breault, HenryHenry Breault	Navy	Torpedoman's Mate Second Class	USS O-5 (SS-66)	Oct 28, 1923	Rescued another sailor when the submarine O-5 sank.
George Breeman, a Seaman, who acted bravely after gunpowder accidentally caught fire.	Breeman, GeorgeGeorge Breeman	Navy	Seaman	USS Kearsarge (BB-5)	Apr 13, 1906	For his actions after gunpowder accidentally caught fire.
—	Bresnahan, Patrick F.Patrick F. Bresnahan	Navy	Watertender	USS Iowa (BB-4)	Jan 25, 1905	Showed amazing heroism saving the ship after a boiler exploded.
—	Brock, George F.George F. Brock	Navy	Carpenter's Mate Second Class	USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California	Jul 21, 1905	For amazing heroism when a boiler exploded on his ship.
—	Brown, JohnJohn Brown	Navy	Captain of the Afterguard	off Eastport, Maine	May 10, 1866	Rescued James Rose and John Russell from drowning.
—	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, risking his own life.
—	Burke, ThomasThomas Burke	Navy	Seaman	off Eastport, Maine	May 10, 1866	Rescued James Rose and John Russell from drowning.
Richard E. Byrd, a Commander, who led the first flight to the North Pole.	Byrd, Jr., Richard E.Richard E. Byrd, Jr.	Navy	Commander	over the Arctic	May 9, 1926	Led what was thought to be the first successful flight to the North Pole and back.
—	Cahey, ThomasThomas Cahey	Navy	Seaman	USS Petrel (PG-2)	Mar 31, 1901	Risked his life to save others from a fire on board.
Tedford H. Cann, a Seaman, who plugged a leak in his ship.	Cann, Tedford H.Tedford H. Cann	Navy	E-03Seaman	USS May	Nov 5, 1917	Dove into a flooded area to find and plug a leak that threatened his ship.
James Carey, a Seaman, who saved three shipmates from drowning.	Carey, JamesJames Carey	Navy	Seaman	USS Huron	1870	Saved three shipmates from drowning.
Robert W. Cary, an Ensign, who saved lives after a boiler explosion.	Cary, Robert W.Robert W. Cary	Navy	Ensign	USS San Diego (CA-6)	Jan 21, 1915	Saved three men after a boiler exploded, then worked to prevent more explosions.
—	Chandron, AugustAugust Chandron	Navy	Seaman Apprentice Second Class	USS Quinnebaug, Alexandria, Egypt	Nov 21, 1885	Rescued Ordinary Seaman William Evans from drowning.
George R. Cholister, a Boatswain's Mate, who died trying to stop a fire.	Cholister, George R.George R. Cholister*	Navy	Boatswain's Mate First Class	USS Trenton (CL-11)	Oct 20, 1924	Died from burns while trying to stop a deadly fire in a gun mount.
—	Clary, Edward A.Edward A. Clary	Navy	Watertender	USS Hopkins (DD-6)	Feb 14, 1910	Showed amazing heroism during an accident with the ship's boiler.
—	Clausey, John J.John J. Clausey	Navy	Chief Gunner's Mate	USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California	Jul 21, 1905	For amazing heroism when a boiler exploded on his ship.
—	Connolly, MichaelMichael Connolly	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Plymouth, Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia	Aug 7, 1876	Rescued a citizen from drowning.
—	Corahorgi, DemetriDemetri Corahorgi	Navy	Fireman First Class	USS Iowa (BB-4)	Jan 25, 1905	Showed amazing heroism saving the ship after a boiler exploded.
—	Corey, WilliamWilliam Corey	Navy	Landsman	USS Plymouth, Navy Yard, New York	Jul 26, 1876	Made a heroic attempt to save a shipmate who fell overboard.
William M. Corry, Jr., a Lieutenant Commander, who died trying to rescue a fellow officer.	Corry, Jr., William M.William M. Corry, Jr.*	Navy	Lieutenant Commander	near Hartford, Connecticut	Oct 2, 1920	Died from burns after trying to rescue a fellow officer from a burning plane.
—	Costello, JohnJohn Costello	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Hartford, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	Jul 16, 1876	Rescued a landsman from USS Hartford from drowning.
—	Courtney, Henry C.Henry C. Courtney	Navy	Seaman	USS Portsmouth, Washington Navy Yard	Feb 7, 1882	Rescued Charles Taliaferro, a Jack-of-the-Dust, from drowning.
Jesse W. Covington, a Ship's Cook, who rescued a man surrounded by explosives.	Covington, Jesse W.Jesse W. Covington	Navy	E-04Ship's Cook Third class	USS Stewart	Apr 17, 1918	Dove overboard and saved a man who was surrounded by boxes of explosives.
—	Cox, Robert E.Robert E. Cox	Navy	Chief Gunner's Mate	USS Missouri, off Pensacola, Florida	Apr 13, 1904	Put out a fire in the ship's ammunition, saving the ship.
—	Cramen, ThomasThomas Cramen	Navy	Boatswain's Mate	USS Portsmouth, Washington Navy Yard	Feb 7, 1882	Rescued Charles Taliaferro from drowning.
Orson L. Crandall, a Chief Boatswain's Mate, who helped rescue the crew of a sunken submarine.	Crandall, Orson L.Orson L. Crandall	Navy	Chief Boatswain's Mate	wreck site of USS Squalus (SS-192)	May 23, 1939	As a diver, he helped rescue the crew of the sunken USS Squalus.
—	Creelman, William J.William J. Creelman	Navy	Landsman	USS Maine (ACR-1)	Feb 1, 1897	Made a heroic attempt to save a life at sea.
Frank W. Crilley, a Chief Gunner's Mate, who rescued a fellow diver.	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	Rescued another diver who was trapped underwater in wreckage.
—	Cronan, WillieWillie Cronan	Navy	Boatswain's Mate	USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California	Jul 21, 1905	Showed bravery during a ship's boiler explosion.
—	Cutter, George W.George W. Cutter	Navy	Landsman	USS Powhatan, Norfolk, Virginia	May 27, 1872	Helped rescue a shipmate from drowning.
—	Davis, JohnJohn Davis	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Trenton, Toulon, France	Feb 1, 1881	Rescued Coxswain Augustus Ohlensen from drowning.
—	Davis, Joseph H.Joseph H. Davis	Navy	Landsman	USS Dale, off wharf at Norfolk, Virginia	Jan 22, 1886	Rescued Ordinary Seaman John Norman from drowning.
—	Davis, Raymond E.Raymond E. Davis	Navy	Quartermaster Third Class	USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California	Jul 21, 1905	For amazing heroism when a boiler exploded on his ship.
—	Dempsey, JohnJohn Dempsey	Navy	Seaman	USS Kearsarge, Shanghai, China	Jan 23, 1875	Bravely rescued a shipmate from drowning.
—	Deneef, MichaelMichael Deneef	Navy	Captain of the Top	USS Swatara, Para, Brazil	Dec 1, 1875	Jumped overboard and saved a shipmate from drowning.
—	Denham, AustinAustin Denham	Navy	Seaman	USS Kansas, near Greytown, Nicaragua	Apr 12, 1872	Helped prevent more deaths during a mass drowning.
Henry C. Drexler, an Ensign, who died trying to stop a fire.	Drexler, Henry C.Henry C. Drexler*	Navy	Ensign	USS Trenton (CL-11)	Oct 20, 1924	Died from burns while trying to stop a deadly fire in a gun mount.
—	Du Moulin, FrankFrank Du Moulin	Navy	Apprentice	USS Sabine, New London Harbor	Sep 5, 1867	Jumped overboard and saved Apprentice D'Orsay from drowning.
Thomas Eadie, a Chief Gunner's Mate, who rescued a fellow diver.	Eadie, ThomasThomas Eadie	Navy	Chief Gunner's Mate	USS S-4 (SS-109) wreck site, off Provincetown, Massachusetts	Dec 18, 1927	Rescued another diver who was trapped underwater.
Walter A. Edwards, a Lieutenant Commander, who led a rescue of passengers.	Edwards, Walter A.Walter A. Edwards	Navy	Lieutenant Commander	USS Bainbridge (DD-246), Sea of Marmora, Turkey	Dec 16, 1922	Led the rescue of passengers from the French military ship Vinh-Long.
—	Eilers, Henry A.Henry A. Eilers	Navy	Gunner's Mate	USS Philadelphia (C-4), Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland	Sep 17, 1892	Put out burning pieces of an accidentally exploded cartridge in a powder room.
—	Elmore, WalterWalter Elmore	Navy	Landsman	USS Gettysburg	Oct 1, 1878	Saved Landsman Wallace Febrey from drowning.
—	Enright, JohnJohn Enright	Navy	Landsman	USS Ranger, off Ensenada, Mexico	Jan 18, 1886	Jumped overboard and rescued Seamen John Bell and George Svensson from drowning.
—	Everetts, JohnJohn Everetts	Navy	Gunner's Mate Third Class	USS Cushing (TB-1)	Feb 11, 1898	Tried to save Ensign Joseph C. Breckenridge from drowning.
—	Fadden, Harry DelmarHarry Delmar Fadden	Navy	Coxswain	USS Adams	Jun 30, 1903	Rescued O.C. Hawthorne from drowning.
—	Fasseur, Isaac L.Isaac L. Fasseur	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Lackawanna, Callao, Peru	Jun 13, 1884	Rescued William Cruise from drowning.
—	Flannagan, JohnJohn Flannagan	Navy	Boatswain's Mate	USS Supply	Oct 26, 1878	Rescued Seaman David Walsh from drowning.
—	Floyd, EdwardEdward Floyd	Navy	Boilermaker	USS Iowa (BB-4)	Jan 25, 1905	Showed amazing heroism saving the ship after a boiler exploded.
—	Fowler, ChristopherChristopher Fowler	Navy	Quartermaster	USS Fortune, Point Zapotitlan, Mexico	May 11, 1874	Showed bravery when the ship's boat capsized, causing some crew to drown.
—	Fredericksen, EmilEmil Fredericksen	Navy	Watertender	USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California	Jul 21, 1905	For amazing heroism when a boiler exploded on his ship.
—	Gidding, CharlesCharles Gidding	Navy	Seaman	USS Plymouth, Navy Yard, New York	Jul 26, 1876	Tried to rescue a shipmate from drowning.
—	Gillick, MatthewMatthew Gillick	Navy	Boatswain's Mate	USS Lancaster, Marseille, France	Nov 20, 1883	Rescued a French boy who fell from a pier and was drowning.
—	Girandy, AlphonseAlphonse Girandy	Navy	Seaman	USS Petrel (PG-2)	Mar 31, 1901	Showed courage in fighting a fire.
—	Gowan, William H.William H. Gowan	Navy	Boatswain's Mate	Coquimbo, Chile	Jan 20, 1909	Showed bravery during a fire.
Ora Graves, a Seaman, who put out a fire after an explosion.	Graves, OraOra Graves	Navy	E-03Seaman	USS Pittsburgh en route to Buenos Aires, Argentina	Jul 23, 1917	Put out a fire after an accidental explosion.
—	Grbitch, RadeRade Grbitch	Navy	Seaman	USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California	Jul 21, 1905	For amazing heroism when a boiler exploded on his ship.
Adolphus W. Greely, a Major General, recognized for his lifetime of service.	Greely, Adolphus W.Adolphus W. Greely	Army	Major General	various	Jul 26, 1861 – Mar 27, 1908	For his many years of service.
William Halford, a Coxswain, who sailed for 31 days to get help for his stranded shipmates.	Halford, WilliamWilliam Halford	Navy	Coxswain	Pacific Ocean	Oct 1, 1870	Sailed for 31 days in a small boat to Hawaii to get rescuers for his shipmates stranded near Midway Island.
—	Halling, LuoviLuovi Halling	Navy	Boatswain's Mate First Class	USS Missouri	Sep 15, 1904	Tried to rescue a shipmate from drowning.
Francis Hammerberg, a Boatswain's Mate, who died rescuing divers at Pearl Harbor.	Hammerberg, FrancisFrancis Hammerberg*	Navy	Boatswain's Mate Second Class	Pearl Harbor Navy Yard	Feb 17, 1945	Died while rescuing two other divers from a sunken ship at Pearl Harbor. He was the last person to get the Medal of Honor for a non-combat action.
—	Handran, JohnJohn Handran	Navy	Seaman	USS Franklin, Lisbon, Portugal	Jan 9, 1876	Rescued a shipmate from drowning.
—	Harrington, DavidDavid Harrington	Navy	Fireman First Class	USS Tallapoosa	Aug 21, 1884	Stayed in the engine room of his sinking ship until water put out the boiler fires.
—	Hayden, JohnJohn Hayden	Navy	Apprentice	USS Saratoga, off the Battery, New York Harbor	Jul 15, 1879	Helped rescue R. L. Robey from drowning.
—	Helms, John H.John H. Helms	Marine Corps	Sergeant	USS Chicago, Montevideo, Uruguay	Jan 10, 1901	Rescued a shipmate from drowning.
—	Hill, Frank E.Frank E. Hill	Navy	Ship's Cook First Class	USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California	Jul 21, 1905	For amazing heroism when a boiler exploded on his ship.
—	Hill, GeorgeGeorge Hill	Navy	Chief Quarter Gunner	USS Kansas, near Greytown, Nicaragua	Apr 12, 1872	Helped prevent more deaths during a mass drowning.
—	Hill, William L.William L. Hill	Navy	Captain of the Top	USS Minnesota, Newport, Rhode Island	Jun 22, 1881	Rescued William Mulcahy from drowning.
—	Holt, GeorgeGeorge Holt	Navy	Quarter Gunner	USS Plymouth, Hamburg Harbor	Jul 3, 1871	Rescued someone from drowning after they fell from a boat.
August Holtz, a Chief Watertender, who fought a fire on his ship.	Holtz, AugustAugust Holtz	Navy	Chief Watertender	USS North Dakota (BB-29)	Sep 8, 1910	For heroism in fighting a fire on USS North Dakota.
—	Horton, JamesJames Horton	Navy	Captain of the Top	USS Constitution	Feb 13, 1879	Went over the ship's stern during a heavy storm to fix the rudder chains.
William R. Huber, a Machinist's Mate, who rescued a man from a steam-filled room.	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 got badly burned rescuing Charles Bryan from a steam-filled boiler room.
Carlton B. Hutchins, a Lieutenant, who saved his aircrew by staying at the controls of a damaged plane.	Hutchins, Carlton B.Carlton B. Hutchins*	Navy	Lieutenant	off the coast of southern California	Feb 2, 1938	Stayed at the controls of a damaged seaplane, saving the lives of his aircrew.
—	Johannessen, Johannes J.Johannes J. Johannessen	Navy	Chief Watertender	USS Iowa (BB-4)	Jan 25, 1905	Showed amazing heroism saving the ship after a boiler exploded.
—	Johnson, JohnJohn Johnson	Navy	Seaman	USS Kansas, near Greytown, Nicaragua	Apr 12, 1872	Helped prevent more deaths during a mass drowning.
—	Johnson, WilliamWilliam Johnson	Navy	Cooper	USS Adams, Navy Yard, Mare Island, California	Nov 14, 1879	Rescued Daniel W. Kloppen, a worker, from drowning.
Claud Ashton Jones, a Commander, who saved his crew from a tsunami.	Jones, Claud AshtonClaud Ashton Jones	Navy	Commander	USS Memphis (CA-10), off Santo Domingo City, Santo Domingo	Aug 29, 1916	Saved the lives of the USS Memphis crew from a tsunami.
—	Kersey, ThomasThomas Kersey	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Plymouth, Navy Yard, New York	Jul 26, 1876	Rescued a shipmate from drowning.
—	King, HughHugh King	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Iroquois, Delaware River	Sep 7, 1871	Rescued one of the USS Iroquois crew from drowning.
John King, a Watertender, who showed heroism during boiler accidents.	King, JohnJohn King	Navy	Watertender	USS Salem (CL-3)	Sep 13, 1909	For heroism during a boiler accident.
—	King, JohnJohn King	Navy	Watertender	USS Vicksburg (PG-11)	May 29, 1901	For heroism during a boiler accident; he is one of only 19 people to receive the Medal of Honor twice.
—	Klein, RobertRobert Klein	Navy	Chief Carpenter's Mate	USS Raleigh (C-8)	Jan 25, 1904	Saved shipmates who were overcome by poisonous fumes.
Patrick J. Kyle, a Landsman, who rescued a shipmate from drowning.	Kyle, Patrick J.Patrick J. Kyle	Navy	Landsman	USS Quinnebaug, Port Mahon, Minorca	Mar 13, 1879	Rescued a shipmate from drowning.
—	Lafferty, JohnJohn Lafferty	Navy	Fireman First Class	USS Alaska, Callao Bay, Peru	Sep 14, 1881	Received his second Medal of Honor for actions during the Civil War.
—	Lakin, ThomasThomas Lakin	Navy	Seaman	USS Narragansett, Navy Yard, Mare Island, California	Nov 1, 1874	Rescued two shipmates from drowning.
—	Lejeune, EmileEmile Lejeune	Navy	Seaman	USS Plymouth, Port Royal, South Carolina	Jun 6, 1876	Rescued a citizen from drowning.
Charles Lindbergh, a Captain, who made the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic.	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, a Watertender, who fought a fire on his ship.	Lipscomb, HarryHarry Lipscomb	Navy	Watertender	USS North Dakota (BB-29)	Sep 8, 1910	For heroism in fighting a fire aboard his ship.
—	Low, GeorgeGeorge Low	Navy	Seaman	USS Tennessee, New Orleans, Louisiana	Feb 15, 1881	Rescued N. P. Petersen, a Gunner's Mate, from drowning.
—	Lucy, JohnJohn Lucy	Navy	Second Class Boy	USS Minnesota, Castle Garden, New York	Jul 9, 1876	For heroic actions aboard USS Minnesota during a fire at an immigration center.
John MacKenzie, a Chief Boatswain's Mate, who secured a live depth charge.	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.
—	Maddin, EdwardEdward Maddin	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Franklin, Lisbon, Portugal	Jan 9, 1876	Rescued a shipmate from drowning.
—	Magee, John W.John W. Magee	Navy	Fireman Second Class	USS Tallapoosa	Aug 21, 1884	Stayed on duty in the fireroom until rising water put out the boilers.
—	Manning, Henry J.Henry J. Manning	Navy	Quartermaster	USS New Hampshire, off Coasters Harbor Island, near Newport, Rhode Island	Jan 4, 1882	Tried to rescue Jabez Smith from drowning.
—	Matthews, JosephJoseph Matthews	Navy	Captain of the Top	USS Constitution	Feb 13, 1879	Went over the ship's stern during a heavy storm to fix the rudder chains.
—	McCarton, JohnJohn McCarton	Navy	Ship's Printer	USS New Hampshire, off Coasters Harbor Island, near Newport, Rhode Island	Jan 4, 1882	Tried to rescue Jabez Smith from drowning.
James H. McDonald, a Chief Metalsmith, who helped rescue the crew of a sunken submarine.	McDonald, James H.James H. McDonald	Navy	Chief Metalsmith	wreck site of USS Squalus (SS-192)	May 23, 1939	As a diver, he helped rescue the crew of the sunken USS Squalus.
Patrick McGunigal, a Shipfitter, who rescued a pilot from a crashed balloon.	McGunigal, PatrickPatrick McGunigal	Navy	E-06Shipfitter First class	USS Huntington	Sep 17, 1917	Rescued the pilot of a crashed observation balloon.
John Mihalowski, a Torpedoman, who helped rescue the crew of a sunken submarine.	Mihalowski, JohnJohn Mihalowski	Navy	Torpedoman First Class	wreck site of USS Squalus (SS-192)	May 23, 1939	As a diver, he helped rescue the crew of the sunken USS Squalus.
—	Miller, HughHugh Miller	Navy	Boatswain's Mate	USS Quinnebaug, Alexandria, Egypt	Nov 21, 1885	Helped rescue a shipmate from drowning.
—	Millmore, JohnJohn Millmore	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Essex, Monrovia, Liberia	Oct 31, 1877	Rescued Ordinary Seaman John W. Powers from drowning.
—	Mitchell, ThomasThomas Mitchell	Navy	Landsman	USS Richmond, Shanghai, China	Nov 17, 1879	Rescued First Class Boy M. F. Caulan from drowning.
Mons Monssen, a Chief Gunner's Mate, who put out a fire in an ammunition room.	Monssen, MonsMons Monssen	Navy	Chief Gunner's Mate	USS Missouri	Apr 13, 1904	Entered an ammunition room to put out a fire with water.
—	Moore, FrancisFrancis Moore	Navy	Boatswain's Mate	USS Portsmouth, Washington Navy Yard	Jan 23, 1882	Tried to rescue Thomas Duncan, a carpenter, from drowning.
—	Moore, PhilipPhilip Moore	Navy	Seaman	USS Trenton, Genoa, Italy	Sep 21, 1880	Rescued Ordinary Seaman Hans Paulsen from drowning.
—	Morris, JohnJohn Morris	Marine Corps	Corporal	USS Lancaster, Villefranche, France	Dec 25, 1881	Rescued Ordinary Seaman Robert Blizzard from drowning.
—	Morse, WilliamWilliam Morse	Navy	Seaman	USS Shenandoah, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	Sep 19, 1880	Rescued First Class Fireman James Grady from drowning.
—	Mullin, Hugh P.Hugh P. Mullin	Navy	Seaman	USS Texas, off Hampton Roads, Virginia	Nov 11, 1899	Rescued Apprentice Second Class Alfred Kosminski from drowning.
—	Nelson, Oscar F.Oscar F. Nelson	Navy	Machinist's Mate First Class	USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California	Jul 21, 1905	For amazing heroism when a boiler exploded on his ship.
Illustration of Joseph B. Noil, a Seaman, who saved a Boatswain from drowning.	Noil, Joseph B.Joseph B. Noil	Navy	Seaman	USS Powhatan, Norfolk, Virginia	Dec 26, 1872	Saved Boatswain J. C. Walton from drowning.
—	Nordstrom, IsadoreIsadore Nordstrom	Navy	Chief Boatswain's Mate	USS Kearsarge (BB-5)	Apr 13, 1906	Rescued injured people after an ammunition fire in the front turret.
—	Norris, J. W.J. W. Norris	Navy	Landsman	USS Jamestown, New York Navy Yard	Dec 20, 1883	Rescued A. A. George from drowning.
—	O'Conner, James F.James F. O'Conner	Navy	Landsman	USS Jean Sands, opposite the Norfolk Navy Yard	Jun 15, 1880	Rescued a young girl who had fallen overboard and was drowning.
—	O'Neal, JohnJohn O'Neal	Navy	Boatswain's Mate	USS Kansas, near Greytown, Nicaragua	Apr 12, 1872	Helped prevent more deaths during a mass drowning.
—	Ohmsen, AugustAugust Ohmsen	Navy	Master-at-Arms	USS Tallapoosa	Aug 21, 1884	For his life-saving efforts during the sinking of USS Tallapoosa.
Francis E. Ormsbee, Jr., a Chief Machinist's Mate, who rescued a gunner from a downed plane.	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, but couldn't save the pilot.
—	Osborne, JohnJohn Osborne	Navy	Seaman	USS Juniata (1862), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	Aug 21, 1876	Rescued an enlisted boy from USS Juniata from drowning.
—	Osepins, ChristianChristian Osepins	Navy	Seaman	USS Fortune, Hampton Roads, Virginia	May 7, 1882	Rescued Gunner's Mate James Walters from drowning.
—	Parker, AlexanderAlexander Parker	Navy	Boatswain's Mate	Mare Island Naval Shipyard	Jul 25, 1876	Tried to save a shipmate from drowning.
—	Peters, AlexanderAlexander Peters	Navy	Boatswain's Mate First Class	USS Missouri	Sep 15, 1904	Tried to rescue a shipmate from drowning.
—	Pfeifer, Louis F.Louis F. Pfeifer	Marine Corps	Private	USS Petrel (PG-2)	Mar 31, 1901	"...for heroism and bravery, fearlessly risking his own life to save others during a fire on that ship." He served as Louis F. Theis during his first time in the military.
—	Pile, RichardRichard Pile	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Kansas, near Greytown, Nicaragua	Apr 12, 1872	Helped prevent more deaths during a mass drowning.
—	Quick, JosephJoseph Quick	Navy	Coxswain	Yokohama, Japan	Apr 27, 1902	Rescued a shipmate from drowning.
—	Regan, PatrickPatrick Regan	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Pensacola, harbor of Coquimbo, Chile	Jul 30, 1873	Rescued a shipmate from drowning.
Patrick Reid, a Chief Watertender, who fought a fire on his ship.	Reid, PatrickPatrick Reid	Navy	Chief Watertender	USS North Dakota (BB-29)	Sep 8, 1910	For heroism in fighting a fire on his ship.
Charles C. Roberts, a Machinist's Mate, who fought a fire on his ship.	Roberts, Charles C.Charles C. Roberts	Navy	Machinist's Mate First Class	USS North Dakota (BB-29)	Sep 8, 1910	For heroism in fighting a fire on his ship.
—	Robinson, JohnJohn Robinson	Navy	Captain of the Hold	Pensacola Bay, Florida	Jan 19, 1867	Swam ashore through a heavy storm with a rescue line to resupply the ship.
—	Robinson, ThomasThomas Robinson	Navy	Captain of the Afterguard	off New Orleans, Louisiana	Jul 15, 1866	For efforts to save Wellington Brocar from drowning.
—	Rouning, JohannesJohannes Rouning	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Fortune, Hampton Roads, Virginia	May 7, 1882	Rescued Gunner's Mate James Walters from drowning.
George W. Rud, a Chief Machinist's Mate, who died saving his ship during a tsunami.	Rud, George W.George W. Rud*	Navy	Chief Machinist's Mate	USS Memphis (CA-10), off Santo Domingo City, Santo Domingo	Aug 29, 1916	Died from scalding at his post while a tsunami destroyed his ship.
—	Russell, JohnJohn Russell	Navy	Seaman	USS Trenton, Genoa, Italy	Sep 21, 1880	Rescued Ordinary Seaman Hans Paulsen from drowning.
—	Ryan, RichardRichard Ryan	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Hartford, Norfolk, Virginia	Mar 4, 1876	Rescued a shipmate from drowning.
Thomas J. Ryan, an Ensign, who rescued a woman from a burning hotel.	Ryan, Thomas J.Thomas J. Ryan	Navy	Ensign	Yokohama, Japan	Sep 1, 1923	Rescued a woman from the burning Grand Hotel after an earthquake.
—	Sadler, WilliamWilliam Sadler	Navy	Captain of the Top	USS Saratoga, off Coasters Harbor Island, Rhode Island	Jun 25, 1881	Rescued Second Class Boy Frank Gallagher from drowning.
—	Sapp, IsaacIsaac Sapp	Navy	Seaman	USS Shenandoah, Villefranche, France	Dec 15, 1871	Helped save Seaman Charles Prince from drowning.
—	Schepke, Charles S.Charles S. Schepke	Navy	Gunner's Mate First Class	USS Missouri	Apr 13, 1904	Put out a fire in the ship's ammunition, saving the ship.
Oscar Schmidt, Jr., a Chief Gunner's Mate, who rescued a wounded man from the water.	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 tried to save another.
Otto D. Schmidt, a Seaman, who showed heroism during a boiler explosion.	Schmidt, Otto D.Otto D. Schmidt	Navy	Seaman	USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California	Jul 21, 1905	For amazing heroism when a boiler exploded on his ship.
—	Shacklette, William S.William S. Shacklette	Navy	Hospital Steward	USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, California	Jul 21, 1905	Showed bravery during a ship's boiler explosion.
—	Shanahan, PatrickPatrick Shanahan	Navy	Chief Boatswain's Mate	USS Alliance	May 28, 1899	Rescued Quartermaster First Class William Steven from drowning.
—	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 ship before being trapped by smoke himself.
—	Simpson, Henry L.Henry L. Simpson*	Navy	Fireman First Class	USS Essex, Monrovia, Liberia	Oct 31, 1877	Rescued Ordinary Seaman John W. Powers from drowning.
—	Smith, Albert J.Albert J. Smith	Marine Corps	Private	Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida	Feb 11, 1921	Pulled a man from the wreckage of a crashed and burning seaplane.
—	Smith, Eugene P.Eugene P. Smith	Navy	Chief Watertender	USS Decatur (DD-5)	Sep 9, 1915	Entered rooms right after an explosion to rescue injured shipmates.
—	Smith, JamesJames Smith	Navy	Seaman	USS Kansas, near Greytown, Nicaragua	Apr 12, 1872	Helped prevent more deaths during a mass drowning.
—	Smith, JohnJohn Smith	Navy	Seaman	USS Shenandoah, off Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	Sep 19, 1880	Rescued First Class Fireman James Grady from drowning.
—	Smith, ThomasThomas Smith	Navy	Seaman	USS Enterprise, off Para, Brazil	Oct 1, 1878	Rescued Coxswain William Kent from drowning.
—	Smith, WilhelmWilhelm Smith	Navy	Gunner's Mate First Class	USS New York	Jan 24, 1916	Entered a room full of gases and rescued a shipmate.
—	Snyder, William E.William E. Snyder	Navy	Chief Electrician	USS Birmingham (CL-2), Hampton Roads, Virginia	Jan 4, 1910	Rescued Seaman G.H. Kephart from drowning.
—	Stacy, William B.William B. Stacy	Navy	Seaman	harbor of Cape Haiten	before January 15, 1866	Rescued one of the crew of USS Rhode Island (1861) from drowning.
Thomas Stanton, a Chief Machinist's Mate, who fought a fire on his ship.	Stanton, ThomasThomas Stanton	Navy	Chief Machinist's Mate	USS North Dakota (BB-29)	Sep 8, 1910	For heroism in fighting a fire on USS North Dakota.
—	Stewart, James A.James A. Stewart	Marine Corps	Corporal	USS Plymouth, harbor of Villefranche, France	Feb 1, 1872	Rescued Midshipman Osterhaus from drowning.
—	Stokes, JohnJohn Stokes	Navy	Chief Master-at-Arms	USS New York, off Jamaica	Mar 31, 1899	Helped rescue Watertender Peter Mahoney from drowning.
—	Stupka, LoddieLoddie Stupka	Navy	Fireman First Class	USS Leyden	Jan 21, 1903	For heroism during the sinking of his ship.
—	Sullivan, James F.James F. Sullivan	Navy	Boatswain's Mate	USS New Hampshire, Newport, Rhode Island	Apr 21, 1882	Rescued Third Class Boy Francis T. Price from drowning.
—	Sweeney, Robert A.Robert A. Sweeney	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Kearsarge, at Hampton Roads, Virginia	Oct 26, 1881	Helped save a shipmate from drowning.
—	Sweeney, Robert A.Robert A. Sweeney	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	USS Yantic at New York Navy Yard	Dec 20, 1883	Rescued A. A. George from drowning.
—	Sweeney, WilliamWilliam Sweeney	Navy	Landsman	USS Jean Sands, opposite the Norfolk Navy Yard	Jun 15, 1880	Rescued a young girl who had fallen overboard and was drowning.
—	Taylor, JohnJohn Taylor	Navy	Seaman	Brooklyn Navy Yard	Sep 9, 1865	Rescued his commander from drowning.
—	Taylor, Richard H.Richard H. Taylor	Navy	Quartermaster	USS Nipsic, Apia, Samoa	Mar 16, 1889	Showed bravery during a hurricane.
—	Teytand, August P.August P. Teytand	Navy	Quartermaster Third Class	USS Leyden	Jan 21, 1903	Heroism during the sinking of his ship.
—	Thayer, JamesJames Thayer	Navy	Ship's Corporal	Naval Station Norfolk	Nov 16, 1879	Rescued a shipmate from drowning.
—	Thompson, HenryHenry Thompson	Navy	Seaman	Mare Island, California	Jun 27, 1878	Rescued a man from drowning.
—	Thornton, MichaelMichael Thornton	Navy	Seaman	USS Leyden, near Boston, Massachusetts	Aug 26, 1881	Rescued Landsman Michael Drennan from drowning.
—	Tobin, PaulPaul Tobin	Navy	Landsman	USS Plymouth, Hamburg Harbor	Jul 3, 1871	Rescued someone from drowning after they fell from a boat.
—	Trinidad, TelesforoTelesforo Trinidad	Navy	Fireman Second Class	USS San Diego (CA-6)	Jan 21, 1915	Rescued R. E. Daly and another injured fireman from a boiler explosion, even though he had facial burns.
—	Trout, James M.James M. Trout	Navy	Fireman Second Class	USS Frolic, Montevideo	Apr 20, 1877	Tried to save a shipmate from drowning.
—	Troy, JeremiahJeremiah Troy	Navy	Chief Boatswain's Mate	USS New Hampshire, Newport, Rhode Island	Apr 21, 1882	Rescued Third Class Boy Francis T. Price from drowning.
—	Turvelin, Alexander H.Alexander H. Turvelin	Navy	Seaman	USS Trenton, Toulon, France	Feb 1, 1881	Rescued Coxswain Augustus Ohlensen from drowning.
—	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.
Michael Walsh, a Chief Machinist, who showed heroism during his ship's sinking.	Walsh, MichaelMichael Walsh	Navy	Chief Machinist	USS Leyden	Jan 21, 1903	For heroism during the sinking of his ship.
—	Weisbogel, AlbertAlbert Weisbogel	Navy	Captain of the Mizzen Top	USS Plymouth	Apr 27, 1876	Rescued a shipmate from drowning.
—	Weisbogel, AlbertAlbert Weisbogel	Navy	Captain of the Mizzen Top	USS Benicia	Jan 11, 1874	Rescued a shipmate from drowning.
—	Weissel, AdamAdam Weissel	Navy	Ship's Cook	USS Minnesota, Newport, Rhode Island	Aug 26, 1881	Rescued Captain of the Forecastle C. Lorenze from drowning.
Karl Westa, a Chief Machinist's Mate, who fought a fire on his ship.	Westa, KarlKarl Westa	Navy	Chief Machinist's Mate	USS North Dakota (BB-29)	Sep 8, 1910	For heroism in fighting a fire on his ship.
—	Wheeler, George H.George H. Wheeler	Navy	Shipfitter First Class	Coquimbo, Chile	Jan 20, 1909	Showed amazing heroism during a fire.
Charles H. Willey, a Machinist, who saved lives during a tsunami.	Willey, Charles H.Charles H. Willey	Navy	Machinist	USS Memphis (CA-10), off Santo Domingo City, Santo Domingo	Aug 29, 1916	Saved lives when his ship was lost to a tsunami.
—	Williams, AntonioAntonio Williams	Navy	Seaman	USS Huron	Nov 24, 1877	For courage and loyalty when his ship was lost.
—	Williams, HenryHenry Williams	Navy	Carpenter's Mate	USS Constitution	Feb 13, 1879	Went over the ship's stern during a heavy storm and did important carpentry work on the rudder.
—	Williams, LouisLouis Williams	Navy	Captain of the Hold	USS Lackawanna, Honolulu, Hawaii	Mar 16, 1883	Rescued Landsman Thomas Moran from drowning.
—	Williams, LouisLouis Williams	Navy	Captain of the Hold	USS Lackawanna, Callao, Peru	Jun 13, 1884	Rescued William Cruise from drowning.
Illustration of George Willis, a Coxswain, who singlehandedly furled a sail to prevent ship damage.	Willis, GeorgeGeorge Willis	Navy	Coxswain	USS Tigress, off the coast of Greenland	Sep 22, 1873	Singlehandedly tied down a loose sail, stopping damage to the ship.
—	Wilson, AugustAugust Wilson	Navy	Boilermaker	USS Puritan (BM-1)	Jul 1, 1897	For heroism during a boiler malfunction.