Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Captain of the Foretop Charles H. Weeks received the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 21, 1864 off Port Royal, South Carolina during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Montauk. Weeks was about 27 years old.
2 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Weeks was born in 1837 in New Jersey.
Weeks is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 93 credited to New Jersey.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served as captain of the foretop on board the U.S.S. Montauk, 21 September 1864. During the night of 21 September, when fire was discovered in the magazine lightroom of that vessel, causing a panic and demoralizing the crew, Weeks, notwithstanding the cry of "fire in the magazine," displayed great presence of mind and rendered valuable service in extinguishing the flames which were imperiling the ship and the men on board.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- 1837Born in New Jersey
- September 21, 1864Act of valor — off Port Royal, South CarolinaAge about 27. U.S.S. Montauk
Biography
Charles H. Weeks (c. 1837 – ?) was an American sailor who fought in the Union Navy aboard the USS Montauk during the American Civil War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor which awarded to him for actions as a captain of the foretop off Port Royal, South Carolina on 21 September 1864.
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