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Honoring American TroopsMedal of Honor Archive

Seaman · U.S. Navy

George Breeman

Seaman George Breeman, Navy, received the Medal of Honor for actions on April 13, 1906 in Cape Cruz on board U.S.S. Kearsarge, Cuba (Interim 1899–1910).

Interim 1899 - 1910 April 13, 1906

Seaman George Breeman, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on April 13, 1906 in Cape Cruz on board U.S.S. Kearsarge, Cuba — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1899 - 1910 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Kearsarge. Breeman was 25 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 Turret Captain.

Breeman was born on September 15, 1880 in Passaic, Passaic County, New Jersey. His Medal of Honor is credited to New Jersey. Breeman died on April 10, 1937 in Passaic, New Jersey, at the age of 56. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Official Medal of Honor citation

Breeman displayed heroism in the line of his profession while serving on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge at the time of the accidental ignition of powder charges in the forward 13-inch turret.

Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.

Timeline

  1. September 15, 1880
    Born in Passaic, Passaic County, New Jersey
  2. April 13, 1906
    Act of valor — Cape Cruz on board U.S.S. Kearsarge, Cuba
    Age 25. U.S.S. Kearsarge
  3. April 10, 1937
    Died in Passaic, New Jersey
    Age 56.
  4. Resting place
    Arlington National Cemetery
    Arlington, Virginia

Also honored for actions on April 13, 1906

IN Isador A. Nordstrom Chief Boatswain · Navy Interim 1899–1910 · 1906

Same unit

MA Michael Aheam Paymaster's Steward · Navy Civil War · 1864 John F. Bickford Captain of the Top · Navy Civil War · 1864 WB William S. Bond Boatswain · Navy Civil War · 1864 JD John Dempsey Seaman · Navy Interim 1871–1899 · 1875 JH James Haley Captain of the Forecastle · Navy Civil War · 1864 MH Mark G. Ham Carpenter's Mate · Navy Civil War · 1864 GH George H. Harrison Seaman · Navy Civil War · 1864 JH John Hayes Coxswain · Navy Civil War · 1864

More Interim 1899–1910 recipients from New Jersey

LP Louis Fred Pfeifer Private · Marine Corps Interim 1899–1910 · 1901 FB Frederick Behne Fireman First Class · Navy Interim 1899–1910 · 1905 AT August P. Teytand Quartermaster Third Class · Navy Interim 1899–1910 · 1903
Sources. Service and award details compiled from the recipient record of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The narrative summary is generated from these records. Spotted an error? Send a correction.