Boatswain's Mate First Class Alexander Peters was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 15, 1904 off Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1899 - 1910 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Missouri. Peters was 34 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Chief Gunner's Mate.
Peters was born on November 16, 1869 in Russia — one of 3 recipients born in Russia. His Medal of Honor is credited to Pennsylvania. Peters died on June 11, 1951 in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, at the age of 81. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For heroism in attempting to rescue from drowning Cecil C. Young, ordinary seaman, 15 September 1904, while serving on board the U.S.S. Missouri.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Pennsylvania →
Timeline
- November 16, 1869Born in Russia
- September 15, 1904Act of valor — off Martha's Vineyard, MassachusettsAge 34. U.S.S. Missouri
- June 11, 1951Died in Martha's Vineyard, MassachusettsAge 81.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
Alexander Peters (November 16, 1869 – June 11, 1951) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for attempting to rescue a shipmate from drowning during a storm.
From the Wikipedia article “Alexander Peters”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
