List of Medal of Honor recipients in non-combat incidents

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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). [1] [2] 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.

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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

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. [3] 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
ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
William Ahern Navy Watertender USS Puritan (BM-1) Jul 1, 1897For lifesaving heroism during boiler malfunction
William Anderson Navy Coxswain USS Powhatan Jun 28, 1878For rescuing from drowning W. H. Moffatt, First Class Boy
Daniel Atkins (MOH) poster.jpg Daniel Atkins Navy Ship's Cook First Class USS Cushing (TB-1) Feb 11, 1898For attempting to save from drowning, Ensign Joseph C. Breckenridge
John F. Auer Navy Ordinary Seaman Apprentice USS Lancaster, Marseille, FranceNov 20, 1883For rescuing a drowning French boy, who had fallen from a pier
William Badders (MOH).jpg William Badders Navy Chief Machinist's Mate wreck site of USS Squalus (SS-192) May 23, 1939For his actions as a diver in rescuing the crew of the sunken USS Squalus
Edward Barrett Navy Fireman Second Class USS Alaska, Callao Bay, PeruSep 14, 1881Saved USS Alaska from catastrophe by preventing boiler explosion
Richard Bates Navy Seaman off Eastport, MaineMay 10, 1866For rescuing from drowning, James Rose and John Russell, seamen of USS Winooski
Frederick Behne Navy Fireman First Class USS Iowa (BB-4) Jan 25, 1905Extraordinary heroism saving ship after boiler explosion
Heinrich Behnke Navy Seaman First Class USS Iowa (BB-4) Jan 25, 1905Extraordinary heroism saving ship after boiler explosion
William H. Belpitt Navy Captain of the Afterguard USS Monocacy, Fuzhou, ChinaOct 7, 1884For rescuing from drowning a Chinese man, whose canoe had capsized
Floyd Bennett.jpg Floyd Bennett Navy Machinist over the ArcticMay 9, 1926For his part in what was thought to be the first successful heavier-than-air flight to the North Pole and back
James Benson Navy Seaman USS Ossipee Jun 20, 1872For attempting to save from drowning, Landsman John K. Smith
Ernest H. Bjorkman Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Leyden Jan 21, 1903For heroism during the sinking of his ship
Edward-William-Boers.jpg Edward W. Boers Navy Seaman USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, CaliforniaJul 21, 1905Extraordinary heroism, while minimizing loss of life, and material damage while saving his ship, after a boiler explosion
Robert E. Bonney Navy Chief Watertender USS Hopkins (DD-6) Feb 14, 1910For heroism during an accident to a ship's boiler
Alexander Bradley [nb 1] Navy Landsman USS Wachusett, off Cowes, England Aug 7, 1872For attempting to save from drowning Landsman Philip Cassidy of USS Wabash
Willis W. Bradley cropped.jpg Willis Winter Bradley, Jr. Navy Lieutenant USS Pittsburgh en route to Buenos Aires, Argentina Jul 23, 1917Entered a room containing explosives and extinguished a fire after an accidental detonation
Henrybreault.JPG Henry Breault Navy Torpedoman's Mate Second Class USS O-5 (SS-66) Oct 28, 1923For rescuing another sailor when submarine O-5 sank
George A Breeman Memorial headshot.jpg George Breeman Navy Seaman USS Kearsarge (BB-5) Apr 13, 1906For actions after the accidental ignition of gunpowder
Patrick F. Bresnahan Navy Watertender USS Iowa (BB-4) Jan 25, 1905Extraordinary heroism saving ship after boiler explosion
George F. Brock Navy Carpenter's Mate Second Class USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, CaliforniaJul 21, 1905For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded on ship
John Brown Navy Captain of the Afterguard off Eastport, Maine May 10, 1866For rescuing from drowning James Rose and John Russell, seamen of USS Winooski
David M. Buchanan Navy Apprentice USS Saratoga, off Battery, New York HarborJul 15, 1879Saved Apprentice Robert Lee Robey from drowning at risk of his own life
Thomas Burke Navy Seaman off Eastport, MaineMay 10, 1866For rescuing from drowning James Rose and John Russell, seamen of USS Winooski
Richard E. Byrd cph.3b17378.jpg Richard E. Byrd, Jr. Navy Commander over the ArcticMay 9, 1926For leading what was thought to be the first successful heavier-than-air flight to the North Pole and back
Thomas Cahey Navy Seaman USS Petrel (PG-2) Mar 31, 1901Risked his life to save others from an on-board fire
Tedford H Cann.jpg Tedford H. Cann Navy Seaman USS May Nov 5, 1917Dove into a flooded compartment to find and plug a leak which threatened his ship
James Carey (MOH).jpg James Carey Navy Seaman USS Huron 1870For saving 3 shipmates from drowning
Robert Carey-USNA.jpg Robert W. Cary Navy Ensign USS San Diego (CA-6) Jan 21, 1915Saved 3 men's lives after boiler explosion, then led effort to prevent further boiler explosion
August Chandron Navy Seaman Apprentice Second Class USS Quinnebaug, Alexandria, Egypt Nov 21, 1885For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman William Evans
George Cholister.jpg George R. Cholister * Navy Boatswain's Mate First Class USS Trenton (CL-11) Oct 20, 1924Died of burns suffered while attempting to stifle a fatal munitions fire in forward gun mount
Edward A. Clary Navy Watertender USS Hopkins (DD-6) Feb 14, 1910Extraordinary heroism in line of duty during accident to ship's boiler
John J. Clausey Navy Chief Gunner's Mate USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, CaliforniaJul 21, 1905For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded on ship
Michael Connolly Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Plymouth, Halifax Harbour, Nova ScotiaAug 7, 1876For rescuing a citizen from drowning
Demetri Corahorgi Navy Fireman First Class USS Iowa (BB-4) Jan 25, 1905Extraordinary heroism saving ship after boiler explosion
William Corey Navy Landsman USS Plymouth, Navy Yard, New YorkJul 26, 1876Heroic attempt to save life of shipmate fallen overboard from aloft
William Corry.jpg William M. Corry, Jr. * Navy Lieutenant Commander near Hartford, Connecticut Oct 2, 1920For attempting to rescue a fellow officer from a burning plane; died from burns four days later
John Costello Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Hartford, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaJul 16, 1876For rescuing from drowning a landsman of USS Hartford
Henry C. Courtney Navy Seaman USS Portsmouth, Washington Navy YardFeb 7, 1882For rescuing from drowning Charles Taliaferro, Jack-of-the-Dust
Jesse W. Covington cropped.jpg Jesse W. Covington Navy Ship's Cook Third class USS Stewart Apr 17, 1918Dove overboard and rescued a man who was surrounded by boxes of explosives
Robert E. Cox Navy Chief Gunner's Mate USS Missouri, off Pensacola, FloridaApr 13, 1904For extinguishing munitions fire aboard ship, preventing its loss
Thomas Cramen Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Portsmouth, Washington Navy YardFeb 7, 1882For rescuing from drowning Charles Taliaferro, Jack-of-the-Dust
Orson Leon Crandall.jpg Orson L. Crandall Navy Chief Boatswain's Mate wreck site of USS Squalus (SS-192) May 23, 1939For his actions as a diver in rescuing the crew of the sunken USS Squalus
William J. Creelman Navy Landsman USS Maine (ACR-1) Feb 1, 1897Heroic attempt to save life at sea
UA 57.03.05 Salvage diver.jpg Frank W. Crilley Navy Chief Gunner's Mate wreck site of USS F-4 (SS-23) , off Honolulu, HawaiiApr 17, 1915For rescuing a fellow diver who had become tangled in the wreckage and trapped underwater
Willie Cronan Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, CaliforniaJul 21, 1905Bravery shown during ship's boiler explosion
George W. Cutter Navy Landsman USS Powhatan, Norfolk, VirginiaMay 27, 1872For assisting in rescuing a shipmate from drowning
John Davis Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Trenton, Toulon, FranceFeb 1, 1881For rescuing from drowning Coxswain Augustus Ohlensen
Joseph H. Davis Navy Landsman USS Dale, off wharf at Norfolk, VirginiaJan 22, 1886For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman John Norman
Raymond E. Davis Navy Quartermaster Third Class USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, CaliforniaJul 21, 1905For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded aboard ship
John Dempsey Navy Seaman USS Kearsarge, Shanghai, ChinaJan 23, 1875Gallantly rescued shipmate from drowning
Michael Deneef Navy Captain of the Top USS Swatara, Para, BrazilDec 1, 1875Leaped overboard and saved shipmate from drowning
Austin Denham Navy Seaman USS Kansas, near Greytown, NicaraguaApr 12, 1872Preventing further loss of life during mass drowning
Hcdrexler-usn-photo-01.jpg Henry C. Drexler * Navy Ensign USS Trenton (CL-11) Oct 20, 1924Died of burns while attempting to stifle a fatal munitions fire in forward gun mount
Frank Du Moulin Navy Apprentice USS Sabine, New London HarborSep 5, 1867For jumping overboard and saving Apprentice D'Orsay from drowning
Thomas Eadie (MOH).jpg Thomas Eadie Navy Chief Gunner's Mate USS S-4 (SS-109) wreck site, off Provincetown, MassachusettsDec 18, 1927For rescuing a fellow diver who had become trapped underwater
Walter Atlee Edwards.jpg Walter A. Edwards Navy Lieutenant Commander USS Bainbridge (DD-246), Sea of Marmora, TurkeyDec 16, 1922For leading the rescue of passengers on the French military transport Vinh-Long
Henry A. Eilers Navy Gunner's Mate USS Philadelphia (C-4), Fort McHenry, Baltimore, MarylandSep 17, 1892Stamping out burning particles of prematurely exploded cartridge in powder magazine
Walter Elmore Navy Landsman USS Gettysburg Oct 1, 1878For saving from drowning Landsman Wallace Febrey
John Enright Navy Landsman USS Ranger, off Ensenada, MexicoJan 18, 1886Jumping overboard, Davis rescued Seamen John Bell and George Svensson from drowning
John Everetts Navy Gunner's Mate Third Class USS Cushing (TB-1) Feb 11, 1898For attempting to save from drowning Ensign Joseph C. Breckenridge
Harry Delmar Fadden Navy Coxswain USS Adams Jun 30, 1903For rescuing O.C. Hawthorne, Landsman for training, from drowning
Isaac L. Fasseur Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Lackawanna, Callao, PeruJun 13, 1884For rescuing from drowning William Cruise
John Flannagan Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Supply Oct 26, 1878For rescuing from drowning Seaman David Walsh
Edward Floyd Navy Boilermaker USS Iowa (BB-4) Jan 25, 1905Extraordinary heroism saving ship after boiler explosion
Christopher Fowler Navy Quartermaster USS Fortune, Point Zapotitlan, MexicoMay 11, 1874Displayed valorous conduct when ship's boat capsized, drowning part of crew
Emil Fredericksen Navy Watertender USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, CaliforniaJul 21, 1905For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded on ship
Charles Gidding [nb 2] Navy Seaman USS Plymouth, Navy Yard, New YorkJul 26, 1876For trying to rescue a shipmate from drowning
Matthew Gillick Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Lancaster, Marseille, FranceNov 20, 1883For rescuing from drowning a French boy who had fallen from a pier
Alphonse Girandy Navy Seaman USS Petrel (PG-2) Mar 31, 1901For courage in firefighting efforts
William H. Gowan Navy Boatswain's Mate Coquimbo, Chile Jan 20, 1909Bravery displayed by him during a fire
Oragraves.jpg Ora Graves Navy Seaman USS Pittsburgh en route to Buenos Aires, Argentina Jul 23, 1917Extinguished a fire after an accidental explosion
Rade Grbitch Navy Seaman USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, CaliforniaJul 21, 1905For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded aboard ship
Greely.jpg Adolphus W. Greely Army Major General variousJul 26, 1861 Mar 27, 1908For his lifetime of service
William Halford.jpg William Halford Navy Coxswain Pacific OceanOct 1, 1870Sailed 31 days in small boat to Hawaii to fetch rescuers to his marooned shipmates of USS Saginaw stranded near Midway Island.
Luovi Halling Navy Boatswain's Mate First Class USS Missouri Sep 15, 1904For attempting to rescue a shipmate from drowning
Owen F P Hammerberg.jpg Francis Hammerberg * Navy Boatswain's Mate Second Class Pearl Harbor Navy YardFeb 17, 1945Died 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.
John Handran Navy Seaman USS Franklin, Lisbon, PortugalJan 9, 1876For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
David Harrington Navy Fireman First Class USS Tallapoosa Aug 21, 1884Remained in engine room of his sinking ship until waist deep water extinguished boiler fires, then opened safety valves
John Hayden Navy Apprentice USS Saratoga, off the Battery, New York HarborJul 15, 1879For assisting in the rescue from drowning of R. L. Robey
John H. Helms Marine Corps Sergeant USS Chicago, Montevideo, UruguayJan 10, 1901For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
Frank E. Hill Navy Ship's Cook First Class USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, CaliforniaJul 21, 1905For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded on ship
George Hill Navy Chief Quarter Gunner USS Kansas, near Greytown, NicaraguaApr 12, 1872Preventing further loss of life during mass drowning
William L. Hill Navy Captain of the Top USS Minnesota, Newport, Rhode IslandJun 22, 1881For rescuing from drowning William Mulcahy, Third Class Boy
George Holt Navy Quarter Gunner USS Plymouth, Hamburg HarborJul 3, 1871For rescuing from drowning one of a party who was thrown from a shore boat
August Holtz (MOH).jpg August Holtz Navy Chief Watertender USS North Dakota (BB-29) Sep 8, 1910For heroism in fighting fire on USS North Dakota
James Horton Navy Captain of the Top USS Constitution Feb 13, 1879For going over the stern during a heavy gale and cutting the fastenings of the ship's rudder chains
William Huber.jpg William R. Huber Navy Machinist's Mate USS Bruce (DD-329), Naval Shipyard, Norfolk, VirginiaJun 11, 1928Risked his life and suffered severe burns rescuing Charles Bryan from steam-filled boiler room after accident
Carlton B Hutchins.jpg Carlton B. Hutchins * Navy Lieutenant off the coast of southern CaliforniaFeb 2, 1938Remained at controls of damaged seaplane, thereby saving lives of aircrew members
Johannes J. Johannessen Navy Chief Watertender USS Iowa (BB-4) Jan 25, 1905Extraordinary heroism saving ship after boiler explosion
John Johnson Navy Seaman USS Kansas, near Greytown, NicaraguaApr 12, 1872Preventing further loss of life during mass drowning
William Johnson Navy Cooper USS Adams, Navy Yard, Mare Island, CaliforniaNov 14, 1879For rescuing from drowning Daniel W. Kloppen, a workman
Jones CA NHC 48727.jpg Claud Ashton Jones Navy Commander USS Memphis (CA-10), off Santo Domingo City, Santo DomingoAug 29, 1916Saved lives of crew of USS Memphis from destruction by a tsunami
Thomas Kersey Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Plymouth, Navy Yard, New YorkJul 26, 1876For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
Hugh King Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Iroquois, Delaware RiverSep 7, 1871For rescuing one of the crew of USS Iroquois from drowning
Chief Water Tender John King, USN.jpg John King Navy Watertender USS Salem (CL-3) Sep 13, 1909For heroism during a boiler accident
John King Navy Watertender USS Vicksburg (PG-11) May 29, 1901For heroism during a boiler accident; one of only 19 two-time Medal of Honor recipients
Robert Klein Navy Chief Carpenter's Mate USS Raleigh (C-8) Jan 25, 1904For saving shipmates succumbing to poisonous fumes
Patrick J Kyle (framed).jpg Patrick J. Kyle Navy Landsman USS Quinnebaug, Port Mahon, MinorcaMar 13, 1879For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
John Lafferty Navy Fireman First Class USS Alaska, Callao Bay, PeruSep 14, 1881Second award; previously received a Medal of Honor for actions during the Civil War
Thomas Lakin Navy Seaman USS Narragansett, Navy Yard, Mare Island, CaliforniaNov 1, 1874For rescuing two shipmates from drowning
Emile Lejeune Navy Seaman USS Plymouth, Port Royal, South CarolinaJun 6, 1876For rescuing a citizen from drowning
Col Charles Lindbergh.jpg Charles Lindbergh Air Corps Captain from New York City to Paris, FranceMay 20, 1927 May 21, 1927For flying the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean
Harry Lipscomb MOH.jpg Harry Lipscomb Navy Watertender USS North Dakota (BB-29) Sep 8, 1910For heroism in fighting fire aboard his ship
George Low Navy Seaman USS Tennessee, New Orleans, LouisianaFeb 15, 1881For rescuing from drowning N. P. Petersen, Gunner's Mate
John Lucy Navy Second Class Boy USS Minnesota, Castle Garden, New YorkJul 9, 1876For heroic conduct aboard USS Minnesota during Castle Garden immigration center fire
John MacKenzie (MOH).jpg John MacKenzie Navy Chief Boatswain's Mate USS Remlik (SP-157) in the Bay of Biscay Dec 17, 1917Secured a live depth charge
Edward Maddin Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Franklin, Lisbon, PortugalJan 9, 1876For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
John W. Magee Navy Fireman Second Class USS Tallapoosa Aug 21, 1884Remained on duty in fireroom until rising waters extinguished boilers
Henry J. Manning Navy Quartermaster USS New Hampshire, off Coasters Harbor Island, near Newport, Rhode IslandJan 4, 1882For attempting to rescue from drowning Jabez Smith, Second Class Musician
Joseph Matthews Navy Captain of the Top USS Constitution Feb 13, 1879For going over the stern during a heavy gale and cutting the fastenings of the ship's rudder chains
John McCarton Navy Ship's Printer USS New Hampshire, off Coasters Harbor Island, near Newport, Rhode IslandJan 4, 1882For attempting to rescue from drowning Jabez Smith, Second Class Musician
James Harper McDonald.jpg James H. McDonald Navy Chief Metalsmith wreck site of USS Squalus (SS-192) May 23, 1939For his actions as a diver in rescuing the crew of the sunken USS Squalus
PatrickMcgunigal.jpg Patrick McGunigal Navy Shipfitter First class USS Huntington Sep 17, 1917Rescued the pilot of a crashed observation balloon
John Mihalowski.jpg John Mihalowski Navy Torpedoman First Class wreck site of USS Squalus (SS-192) May 23, 1939For his actions as a diver in rescuing the crew of the sunken USS Squalus
Hugh Miller Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Quinnebaug, Alexandria, EgyptNov 21, 1885For assisting in rescuing a shipmate from drowning
John Millmore Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Essex, Monrovia, LiberiaOct 31, 1877For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman John W. Powers
Thomas Mitchell Navy Landsman USS Richmond, Shanghai, ChinaNov 17, 1879For rescuing from drowning First Class Boy M. F. Caulan
Mons Monssen sitting.jpg Mons Monssen Navy Chief Gunner's Mate USS Missouri Apr 13, 1904Entered munitions magazine to extinguish fire with hand thrown water, then by hose
Francis Moore Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Portsmouth, Washington Navy YardJan 23, 1882For attempting to rescue from drowning Thomas Duncan, carpenter and calker
Philip Moore Navy Seaman USS Trenton, Genoa, ItalySep 21, 1880For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman Hans Paulsen
John Morris Marine Corps Corporal USS Lancaster, Villefranche, FranceDec 25, 1881For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman Robert Blizzard
William Morse Navy Seaman USS Shenandoah, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilSep 19, 1880For rescuing from drowning First Class Fireman James Grady
Hugh P. Mullin Navy Seaman USS Texas, off Hampton Roads, VirginiaNov 11, 1899For rescuing from drowning Apprentice Second Class Alfred Kosminski
Oscar F. Nelson Navy Machinist's Mate First Class USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, CaliforniaJul 21, 1905For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded aboard ship
Joseph Noil poster.jpg Joseph B. Noil Navy Seaman USS Powhatan, Norfolk, VirginiaDec 26, 1872For saving Boatswain J. C. Walton from drowning
Isadore Nordstrom [nb 3] Navy Chief Boatswain's Mate USS Kearsarge (BB-5) Apr 13, 1906For rescuing injured after munitions fire in forward turret
J. W. Norris Navy Landsman USS Jamestown, New York Navy Yard Dec 20, 1883For rescuing A. A. George from drowning
James F. O'Conner Navy Landsman USS Jean Sands, opposite the Norfolk Navy Yard Jun 15, 1880For rescuing from drowning a young girl who had fallen overboard
John O'Neal Navy Boatswain's Mate USS Kansas, near Greytown, NicaraguaApr 12, 1872Preventing further loss of life during mass drowning
August Ohmsen Navy Master-at-Arms USS Tallapoosa Aug 21, 1884For lifesaving efforts during sinking of USS Tallapoosa
NH 118800 Ormsbee, F. E. (CMM) medal of honor.jpg Francis E. Ormsbee, Jr. Navy Chief Machinist's Mate near the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida Sep 25, 1918Rescued the gunner of a downed plane, tried unsuccessfully to rescue the pilot
John Osborne Navy Seaman USS Juniata (1862), Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAug 21, 1876For rescuing from drowning an enlisted boy of USS Juniata
Christian Osepins Navy Seaman USS Fortune, Hampton Roads, VirginiaMay 7, 1882For rescuing from drowning Gunner's Mate James Walters
Alexander Parker Navy Boatswain's Mate Mare Island Naval Shipyard Jul 25, 1876For attempting to save a shipmate from drowning
Alexander Peters Navy Boatswain's Mate First Class USS Missouri Sep 15, 1904For attempting to rescue a shipmate from drowning
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.
Richard Pile Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Kansas, near Greytown, NicaraguaApr 12, 1872Preventing further loss of life during mass drowning
Joseph Quick Navy Coxswain Yokohama, JapanApr 27, 1902For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
Patrick Regan Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Pensacola, harbor of Coquimbo, ChileJul 30, 1873For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
Patrick Reid MOH presentation.jpg Patrick Reid Navy Chief Watertender USS North Dakota (BB-29) Sep 8, 1910For heroism in fighting fire on his ship
Charles C. Roberts MOH presentation.jpg Charles C. Roberts Navy Machinist's Mate First Class USS North Dakota (BB-29) Sep 8, 1910For heroism in fighting fire on his ship
John Robinson Navy Captain of the Hold Pensacola Bay, FloridaJan 19, 1867Swam ashore through heavy gale trailing rescue line needed to resupply ship so it could raise steam and avoid stranding
Thomas Robinson Navy Captain of the Afterguard off New Orleans, LouisianaJul 15, 1866For efforts to save from drowning Wellington Brocar, Landsman, of USS Tallapoosa
Johannes Rouning Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Fortune, Hampton Roads, VirginiaMay 7, 1882For rescuing from drowning Gunner's Mate James Walters
Rud1adj.jpg George W. Rud * Navy Chief Machinist's Mate USS Memphis (CA-10), off Santo Domingo City, Santo DomingoAug 29, 1916Scalded to death at his engine room duty while a tsunami was destroying his ship
John Russell Navy Seaman USS Trenton, Genoa, ItalySep 21, 1880For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman Hans Paulsen
Richard Ryan Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Hartford, Norfolk, VirginiaMar 4, 1876For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
Thomas J. Ryan USNA.jpg Thomas J. Ryan Navy Ensign Yokohama, JapanSep 1, 1923For rescuing a woman from the burning Grand Hotel, following an earthquake
William Sadler Navy Captain of the Top USS Saratoga, off Coasters Harbor Island, Rhode IslandJun 25, 1881For rescuing from drowning Second Class Boy Frank Gallagher
Isaac Sapp [nb 4] Navy Seaman USS Shenandoah, Villefranche, FranceDec 15, 1871For assisting in saving from drowning Seaman Charles Prince
Charles S. Schepke Navy Gunner's Mate First Class USS Missouri Apr 13, 1904For extinguishing munitions fire aboard ship, preventing its loss
Oscar Schmidt (MOH).jpg Oscar Schmidt, Jr. Navy Chief Gunner's Mate USS Chestnut Hill Oct 9, 1918Rescued a wounded man from the water and attempted to rescue another
Otto Schmidt navy photo.jpg Otto D. Schmidt Navy Seaman USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, CaliforniaJul 21, 1905For extraordinary heroism when boiler exploded aboard ship
William S. Shacklette Navy Hospital Steward USS Bennington (PG-4), San Diego, CaliforniaJul 21, 1905Bravery shown during ship's boiler explosion
Patrick Shanahan Navy Chief Boatswain's Mate USS Alliance May 28, 1899For rescuing from drowning Quartermaster First Class William Steven
John O. Siegel Navy Boatswain's Mate Second Class Mohawk (YT-17) Nov 1, 1918Rescued two men from a burning vessel before being trapped and collapsing from the smoke
Henry L. Simpson * Navy Fireman First Class USS Essex, Monrovia, LiberiaOct 31, 1877For rescuing from drowning Ordinary Seaman John W. Powers
Albert J. Smith Marine Corps Private Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station , Pensacola, Florida Feb 11, 1921For pulling a man from the wreckage of a crashed and burning seaplane
Eugene P. Smith Navy Chief Watertender USS Decatur (DD-5) Sep 9, 1915For entering compartments immediately following an explosion and rescuing injured shipmates
James Smith Navy Seaman USS Kansas, near Greytown, NicaraguaApr 12, 1872Preventing further loss of life during mass drowning
John Smith Navy Seaman USS Shenandoah, off Rio de Janeiro, BrazilSep 19, 1880For rescuing from drowning First Class Fireman James Grady
Thomas Smith Navy Seaman USS Enterprise, off Para, BrazilOct 1, 1878For rescuing from drowning Coxswain William Kent
Wilhelm Smith Navy Gunner's Mate First Class USS New York Jan 24, 1916For entering a compartment filled with gases and rescuing a shipmate
William E. Snyder Navy Chief Electrician USS Birmingham (CL-2), Hampton Roads, VirginiaJan 4, 1910For rescuing from drowning Seaman G.H. Kephart
William B. Stacy Navy Seaman harbor of Cape Haitenbefore January 15, 1866For rescuing from drowning one of the crew of USS Rhode Island (1861)
Thomas Stanton MOH.jpg Thomas Stanton Navy Chief Machinist's Mate USS North Dakota (BB-29) Sep 8, 1910For heroism in fighting fire on USS North Dakota
James A. Stewart Marine Corps Corporal USS Plymouth, harbor of Villefranche, FranceFeb 1, 1872For rescuing from drowning Midshipman Osterhaus
John Stokes Navy Chief Master-at-Arms USS New York, off JamaicaMar 31, 1899For helping rescue from drowning Watertender Peter Mahoney
Loddie Stupka Navy Fireman First Class USS Leyden Jan 21, 1903For heroism during sinking of his ship
James F. Sullivan Navy Boatswain's Mate USS New Hampshire, Newport, Rhode IslandApr 21, 1882For rescuing from drowning Third Class Boy Francis T. Price
Robert A. Sweeney Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Kearsarge, at Hampton Roads, VirginiaOct 26, 1881For assisting in saving a shipmate from drowning
Robert A. Sweeney Navy Ordinary Seaman USS Yantic at New York Navy Yard Dec 20, 1883For rescuing from drowning A. A. George
William Sweeney Navy Landsman USS Jean Sands, opposite the Norfolk Navy Yard Jun 15, 1880For rescuing from drowning a young girl who had fallen overboard
John Taylor Navy Seaman Brooklyn Navy Yard Sep 9, 1865For rescuing his commander from drowning
Richard H. Taylor Navy Quartermaster USS Nipsic, Apia, SamoaMar 16, 1889Displayed gallantry during hurricane
August P. Teytand Navy Quartermaster Third Class USS Leyden Jan 21, 1903Heroism during sinking of his ship
James Thayer Navy Ship's Corporal Naval Station Norfolk Nov 16, 1879For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
Henry Thompson Navy Seaman Mare Island, California Jun 27, 1878For rescuing a man from drowning
Michael Thornton Navy Seaman USS Leyden, near Boston, MassachusettsAug 26, 1881For rescuing from drowning Landsman Michael Drennan
Paul Tobin Navy Landsman USS Plymouth, Hamburg HarborJul 3, 1871For rescuing from drowning one of a party who was thrown from a shore boat
Telesforo Trinidad Navy Fireman Second Class USS San Diego (CA-6) Jan 21, 1915Rescued R. E. Daly and another injured fireman from boiler explosion despite his own facial burns
James M. Trout Navy Fireman Second Class USS Frolic, MontevideoApr 20, 1877For attempting to save a shipmate from drowning
Jeremiah Troy Navy Chief Boatswain's Mate USS New Hampshire, Newport, Rhode IslandApr 21, 1882For rescuing from drowning Third Class Boy Francis T. Price
Alexander H. Turvelin Navy Seaman USS Trenton, Toulon, France Feb 1, 1881For rescuing from drowning Coxswain Augustus Ohlensen
Frank M. Upton Navy Ensign USS Stewart Apr 17, 1918Dove overboard and rescued a man who was surrounded by boxes of explosives
MichaelWalsh.jpg Michael Walsh Navy Chief Machinist USS Leyden Jan 21, 1903For heroism during sinking of his ship
Albert Weisbogel Navy Captain of the Mizzen Top USS Plymouth Apr 27, 1876For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
Albert Weisbogel Navy Captain of the Mizzen Top USS Benicia Jan 11, 1874For rescuing a shipmate from drowning
Adam Weissel Navy Ship's Cook USS Minnesota, Newport, Rhode Island Aug 26, 1881For rescuing from drowning Captain of the Forecastle C. Lorenze
Karl Westa MOH presentation.jpg Karl Westa Navy Chief Machinist's Mate USS North Dakota (BB-29) Sep 8, 1910For heroism in fighting fire on his ship
George H. Wheeler Navy Shipfitter First Class Coquimbo, Chile Jan 20, 1909Extraordinary heroism during a fire
Charles H Willey.jpg Charles H. Willey Navy Machinist USS Memphis (CA-10), off Santo Domingo City, Santo DomingoAug 29, 1916Lifesaving actions during loss of his ship to a tsunami
Antonio Williams Navy Seaman USS Huron Nov 24, 1877For courage and fidelity during loss of his ship
Henry Williams Navy Carpenter's Mate USS Constitution Feb 13, 1879For going over the stern during a heavy gale and performing important carpenter's work upon the rudder
Louis Williams Navy Captain of the Hold USS Lackawanna, Honolulu, HawaiiMar 16, 1883For rescuing from drowning Landsman Thomas Moran
Louis Williams Navy Captain of the Hold USS Lackawanna, Callao, PeruJun 13, 1884For rescuing from drowning William Cruise
George Willis illustration.jpg George Willis Navy Coxswain USS Tigress, off the coast of GreenlandSep 22, 1873Singlehanded furled loose fore topgallant sail, preventing damage to ship
August Wilson Navy Boilermaker USS Puritan (BM-1) Jul 1, 1897For lifesaving heroism during boiler malfunction

Notes

  1. Bradley was also known as "Neil Bonner".
  2. Gidding's surname is sometimes given as "Giddings".
  3. Nordstrom's first name is spelled "Isidor" on the official citation.
  4. Sapp's first name is spelled "Isacc" on the official citation.

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References

  1. Tillman, Barrett (2003). Above and Beyond: The Aviation Medals of Honor. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. p. 45.
  2. DoD Awards Manual 1348.33, V1, Oct. 12, 2011 (Nov. 23, 2010). p. 31–32, 8. Medal of Honor (1) (a) 1., 2., 3. (k), p. 10, Title 10 US Code sections 3741, 6241, and 8741 (Titles 14 & 38 not referenced by DoD)
  3. "A Brief History – The Medal of Honor". Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Department of Defense. August 8, 2006. Archived from the original on May 19, 2009. Retrieved February 9, 2010.