Harry Delmar Fadden

Harry Delmar Fadden (September 17, 1882 – February 2, 1955) was a sailor in the United States Navy who received the United States military's highest award for bravery, the Medal of Honor.

Harry Delmar Fadden
Medal of Honor recipient
Born(1882-09-17)September 17, 1882
The Dalles, Oregon, USA
DiedFebruary 2, 1955(1955-02-02) (aged 72)
Seattle, Washington
Place of burial
Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park and Funeral Home Seattle Washington
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branchUnited States Navy
RankCoxswain
UnitUSS Adams
Battles/wars
AwardsMedal of Honor

When he was nine Fadden traveled alone for 2000 miles to be with his father after his parents divorced. He later joined the U.S Navy and before turning 18 had fought in three wars and received the Medal of Honor for saving a shipmate from drowning.

Early life

Fadden was born in The Dalles, Oregon September 17, 1882, but moved with his mother to Chicago, Illinois at an early age after his parents divorced. At age nine, he traveled 2000 miles by himself to live with his father in Sumas, Washington. His father had been a drummer boy during the Civil War.[1]

Military service

In 1898, Fadden joined the U.S. Navy and before his 18th birthday had served in the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, and Boxer Rebellion. While in the Navy, Fadden's commanding officers noticed that he wanted to read and encouraged him to learn how.[1]

Medal of Honor action

When the USS Adams was sent on a training cruise off the coast of California Fadden was aboard as a member of the crew. By June 30, 1903, they had been at sea for two days and Landsman O.C. Hawthorne was a newcomer to the ship. Fadden was standing on the deck and had watched Hawthorne as he climbed a ladder to his station above. When the ship suddenly lurched as it was about to make a turn, Hawthorne was thrown from his position and hit his head on the railing before landing unconscious in the shark-infested water. Upon seeing his crewmate fall overboard, Fadden immediately jumped in after him. He swam to Hawthorne and held his head above water since he still had not regained consciousness. Fadden continued holding the unconscious sailor until the Adams was able to turn back for them.[1]

For his actions in saving the life of his fellow sailor Fadden received the Medal of Honor one month later on July 31, 1903.[2]

Post military

Harry Fadden died February 2, 1955 in Seattle, Washington and is interred in Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park, beside his wife Nellie Scott Fadden (1882–1966).[3] Their grave can be found in section 14, lot 0262, grave 7.[3]

Medal of Honor citation

Citation:

On board the U.S.S. Adams, for gallantry, rescuing O.C. Hawthorne, landsman for training, from drowning at sea, 30 June 1903.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Evergreen Washelli Remembers Coxswain Harry Delmar Fadden". Evergreen Washelli Cemetery. November 1, 2009. Archived from the original on 2011-10-01. Retrieved January 26, 2010.
  2. "Medal of Honor recipients". Interim (1901-1911). United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Retrieved January 26, 2010.
  3. "Harry Delmar Fadden". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved January 26, 2010.
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