Gunner's Mate First Class George Charette was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 3, 1898 at Santiago de Cuba harbor entrance, Cuba during the Spanish-American War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Merrimac assigned to the U.S.S. New York. Charette was 30 years old.
7 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant.
Charette was born on June 6, 1867 in Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Charette died on February 7, 1938, at the age of 70. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Records also list him as Charrette, George.
Charette is one of 110 Medal of Honor recipients from the Spanish-American War and one of 265 credited to Massachusetts.
Official Medal of Honor citation
In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 2 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish batteries, Charette displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Spanish–American War.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Massachusetts →
Timeline
- June 6, 1867Born in Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
- June 3, 1898Act of valor — Santiago de Cuba harbor entrance, CubaAge 30. U.S.S. Merrimac assigned to the U.S.S. New York
- February 7, 1938DiedAge 70.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
George Charrette (June 6, 1867 – February 7, 1938) was an enlisted man and later officer in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Spanish–American War.
From the Wikipedia article “George Charrette”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
Named in his honor
- USS Charrette — preserved watercraft, museum ship
