Captain of the Mizzen Top Albert Weisbogel, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on January 11, 1874 at Sea — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Benicia. Weisbogel was about 30 years old.
The medal was presented on March 23, 1876, 2 years after the action. He later rose to the rank of Petty Officer. Weisbogel is one of the few people to receive the Medal of Honor twice; see his other award (April 27, 1876).
Weisbogel was born in 1844 in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana. His Medal of Honor is credited to Louisiana. Weisbogel died on May 27, 1919 in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of about 75. He is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. Records also list him as Albert Weislogel.
Official Medal of Honor citation
First Award: For gallant conduct in jumping overboard from the U.S.S. Benicia, at sea, and rescuing from drowning one of the crew of that vessel, 11 January 1874.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
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From the archives
Albert Weisbogel died on May 27, 1919, at 32 North Elliott Place, Brooklyn, New York. It was the home of Francis and Margaret McCue, where Weisbogel had rented space since his retirement from the U.S. Navy in 1900. He and Francis had been friends for over 30 years, starting with their service in the U.S. Navy. Margaret McCue was the beneficiary of his will and inherited his $9,000 estate.
Following his death, Weisbogel was buried in a plot at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York. The McCues were buried in the same plot as they passed away. The headstone on the gravesite reads "McCue" and "Rest in Peace."
Timeline
- 1844Born in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
- January 11, 1874Act of valor — at SeaAge about 30. U.S.S. Benicia
- March 23, 1876Medal of Honor presented
- May 27, 1919Died in Brooklyn, New YorkAge about 75.
- Resting placeHoly Cross CemeteryBrooklyn, New York
Biography
Albert Weisbogel (c. 1844 – May 27, 1919) was a 19th-century United States Navy sailor. He was twice awarded America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for peacetime actions (for which he would now be awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal). He is one of only 19 people to be awarded two Medals of Honor, and one of only 14 to be awarded the Medal twice for two separate actions.
From the Wikipedia article “Albert Weisbogel”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →