Seaman George H. Harrison, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on June 19, 1864 off Cherbourg, France during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Kearsarge. Harrison was 23 years old.
16 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Harrison was born on April 9, 1841 in Middleton, Essex County, Massachusetts. His Medal of Honor is credited to Somerset, Bristol County, Massachusetts. Harrison died on January 18, 1919 in Chelsea, Massachusetts, at the age of 77. He is buried at Fortdale Cemetery in Malden, Massachusetts.
Harrison is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 265 credited to Massachusetts.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served on board the U.S.S. Kearsarge when she destroyed the Alabama off Cherbourg, France, 19 June 1864. Acting as sponger and loader of the 11-inch pivot gun during the bitter engagement, Harrison exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended for his gallantry under fire by the divisional officer.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: American Civil War.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Massachusetts →
Timeline
- April 9, 1841Born in Middleton, Essex County, Massachusetts
- June 19, 1864Act of valor — off Cherbourg, FranceAge 23. U.S.S. Kearsarge
- January 18, 1919Died in Chelsea, MassachusettsAge 77.
- Resting placeFortdale CemeteryMalden, Massachusetts
Biography
George H. Harrison (April 9, 1841 – January 18, 1919) was an American sailor who received the Medal of Honor for valor in action during the American Civil War.
From the Wikipedia article “George H. Harrison”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
