George H. Harrison
George H. Harrison | |
---|---|
Born |
Middleton, Massachusetts | April 9, 1841
Died | January 18, 1919 76) | (aged
Place of burial | Forestdale Cemetery, Malden, Massachusetts |
Allegiance |
United States of America Union |
Service/branch |
United States Navy Union Navy |
Years of service | 1862 - 1864, 1865 - 1867 |
Rank | Seaman |
Unit | USS Kearsarge |
Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Awards | Medal of Honor |
George H. Harrison (April 9, 1841 – January 18, 1919) was an American sailor who received the Medal of Honor for valor in action during the American Civil War.
Biography
Harrison was born on April 9, 1841 in Middleton, Massachusetts, and joined the Navy in March 1862. On June 19, 1864 he was serving on the sloop of war USS Kearsarge when she sank the commerce raider CSS Alabama off Cherbourg, France. He was awarded his Medal of Honor for gallantry under fire while crewing the ship's 11 inch pivot gun. He was discharged from the Navy in November 1864, but re-enlisted a few months later, serving until 1867. [1]
Harrison died on January 18, 1919 and was buried in Forestdale Cemetery in Malden, Massachusetts.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1842, Massachusetts. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No. 45, December 31, 1864.
Citation:
Served on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as sponger and loader of the 11-inch pivot gun during the bitter engagement, Harrison exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended for his gallantry under fire by the divisional officer.
See also
References
- This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- "Civil War Medal of Honor recipients (A-L)". Retrieved 2007-12-26.
External links
- "George H. Harrison". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved 2008-07-02.