Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, First Class Fireman David Harrington received the Medal of Honor for his actions on August 21, 1884 in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Tallapoosa. Harrington was 28 years old.
2 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Harrington was born on April 4, 1856 in Washington, District of Columbia. Harrington died on September 20, 1945, at the age of 89. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served on board the U.S.S. Tallapoosa at the time of the sinking of that vessel, on the night of 21 August 1884. Remaining at his post of duty in the fireroom until the fires were put out by the rising waters, Harrington opened the safety valves when the water was up to his waist.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in District of Columbia →
Timeline
- April 4, 1856Born in Washington, District of Columbia
- August 21, 1884Act of valor — Vineyard Haven, MassachusettsAge 28. U.S.S. Tallapoosa
- September 20, 1945DiedAge 89.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
David Harrington (April 4, 1856 – September 20, 1945) was a fireman first class serving in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
From the Wikipedia article “David Harrington (Medal of Honor)”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →