John Smith (Medal of Honor, born 1854)

Last updated
John Smith
Born1854
Bermuda
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Navy
Rank Seaman
Unit USS Shenandoah
Awards Medal of Honor

John Smith (born 1854, date of death unknown) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Born in 1854 in Bermuda, Smith immigrated to the United States and joined the Navy from New York. By September 19, 1880, he was serving as a seaman on the USS Shenandoah. On that day, while Shenandoah was at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he and Seaman William Morse jumped overboard and rescued First Class Fireman James Grady from drowning. For this action, both Smith and Morse were awarded the Medal of Honor four years later, on October 18, 1884. [1]

His official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For jumping overboard from the U.S.S. Shenandoah, at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 19 September 1880, and rescuing from drowning James Grady, first class fireman. [1]

See also

Related Research Articles

John Davis was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

USS <i>Leyden</i> (1865) Tugboat of the United States Navy

The first USS Leyden was a screw steamer that operated as a tug in the U.S. Navy from 1866 to 1903 and saw combat service in the Spanish–American War in 1898.

Luovi Halling was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for attempting to rescue a shipmate from drowning during a storm.

Hugh King was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isaac Sapp</span>

Isaac B. Sapp was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

James Benson was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Thomas Lakin was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

John Dempsey was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William Sweeney (Medal of Honor)</span> US Navy sailor (born 1856, date of death unknown)

William Sweeney was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

William Morse was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Philip Moore was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

John Russell was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Alexander Haure Turvelin was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry C. Courtney</span>

Henry C. Courtney was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas Cramen</span>

Thomas Cramen was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Johannes Rouning was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. He was likely born in Norway in May 1859.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">August Chandron</span> US Navy sailor and Medal of Honor recipient (1866–1947)

August Chandron was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Hugh Miller was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Enright</span> United States Navy sailor (1864 – 1898)

John Enright was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Joseph H. Davis was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

References

  1. 1 2 "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2010.