Charles Henry Smith (Navy Medal of Honor)
Charles H. Smith (March 7, 1826 – February 4, 1898) was a Union Navy sailor in the American Civil War and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions aboard the USS Rhode Island.
Charles H. Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 7, 1826 Standish, Maine, US |
| Died | February 4, 1898 (aged 71) Concord, Vermont, US |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Rank | Coxswain |
| Unit | USS Rhode Island |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Biography
Smith was born March 7, 1826 in Standish, Maine, Jones was living in Maine when he joined the U.S. Navy. He served during the Civil War as a Coxswain on the USS Rhode Island.[1][2]
Smith died February 4, 1898 in Concord, Vermont. He is buried in Ocean View Cemetery, Wells, Maine.
Medal of Honor citation
Smith's official Medal of Honor citation reads: Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 1826, Maine. Accredited to: Maine. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865.
On board the USS Rhode Island which was engaged in rescuing men from the stricken USS Monitor in Mobile Bay, on December 30, 1862. After the Monitor sprang a leak and went down, Smith courageously risked his life in a gallant attempt to rescue members of the crew. Although he, too, lost his life during the hazardous operation, he had made every effort possible to save the lives of his fellow men..[2]
References
- "Charles H. Smith". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
- "Civil War Medal of Honor Recipients (M–Z)". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. June 27, 2011. Archived from the original on September 1, 2019. Retrieved April 30, 2016.