George H. Harrison

George H. Harrison
Born (1841-04-09)April 9, 1841
Middleton, Massachusetts
Died January 18, 1919(1919-01-18) (aged 76)
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.

External links


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